Gov. Mike Braun signed nine executive orders to address key health issues in Indiana, including nutrition, chronic disease prevention and Medicaid reform.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz attended the signing and expressed strong support for Braun’s ambitious initiatives.
Braun outlined the state’s priorities in his statement, emphasizing the need for localized solutions instead of one-size-fits-all approaches.
“We’re taking bold action to Make Indiana Healthy Again and help Hoosiers live healthier lives,” Braun said. He highlighted the focus on root causes of health issues, transparency in food labeling and increasing access to fresh, local food as pivotal measures.
Nutrition and SNAP reforms
Central to Braun’s plan is an overhaul of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Indiana. The reforms aim to curb fraud, promote self-sufficiency and refocus the program on providing nutritious food. Braun announced that Indiana will file a federal waiver to exclude candy and soft drinks from SNAP benefits, ensuring taxpayer dollars fund healthier choices.
“We’re taking on big issues like preventative measures for diet-related chronic illnesses, addressing harmful additives in our food, encouraging fitness and health in schools through two new initiatives, and making big changes to food stamps to put the focus back on nutrition,” Braun stated. Alongside these reforms, the state will introduce work requirements for non-disabled SNAP recipients and reinstate asset verification measures to tighten program oversight.
Addressing diet-related chronic illnesses
Indiana’s commitment to tackling chronic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, forms another pillar of Braun’s strategy. The Department of Health will spearhead a comprehensive study on diet-related illnesses to craft evidence-based interventions emphasizing prevention, early screening and disease management.
Transparency and food additives
Responding to growing parental concerns about artificial food dyes and additives, Braun announced a state-level assessment to analyze the health risks posed by these substances. The initiative reflects a broader push for transparency in food labeling and consumer choice.
“We’re focused on root causes, giving Hoosiers the transparent information to make decisions affecting their health, making it easier to access to fresh local food from Indiana’s incredible farms,” Braun said.
Enhancing student wellness
Indiana schools will soon see the rollout of new programs designed to promote health and wellness among students. The “Governor’s Fitness Test” will reward physical excellence, while “School Fitness Month” will encourage schools to incorporate more physical activity into the curriculum. The plan also expands farm-to-school programs to provide healthier, locally sourced meal options.
Medicaid integrity and reform
With Medicaid representing Indiana’s most significant budget expense, Braun’s reforms aim to eliminate eligibility errors and improper spending. Indiana Medicaid had a 28.8% improper payment rate in 2024, with the majority stemming from eligibility errors. New measures will enforce stricter verification processes.
“We’re also focused on the health of Indiana’s biggest budget line item and biggest health program, Medicaid, by making sure that enrollees don’t exceed the income requirements for the program,” Braun said.
National endorsements
Kennedy and Oz lauded Braun’s leadership, encouraging other states to follow Indiana’s example.
“I urge every governor across America to follow your lead by signing similar executive orders in their states,” Kennedy said.
Oz highlighted the importance of state and local partnerships, emphasizing prevention and lifestyle changes as keys to improving public health.
Legislative next steps
Senate Bill 2, which complements these executive orders, is expected to reach Braun’s desk soon. The bill will codify work requirements for the Healthy Indiana Plan, further advancing the governor’s reform agenda.
Braun concluded his announcement with a rallying cry: “Let’s Make Indiana Healthy Again!”
Congressman André Carson (IN-07) made the following statement in response:
“Hoosiers deserve access to fresh, healthy, affordable food — but Trump policies are causing grocery costs to rise and cutting SNAP benefits. Hoosiers deserve affordable healthcare, vaccinations and preventative care — but Trump policies have already cut local vaccination funding, and today’s announcement pushes us closer to the most significant Medicaid cut in history. Plus, the Trump administration has proposed cuts to school lunches and extreme tariffs that will cripple Hoosier farmers.
“I welcome any efforts from our state to improve nutrition and healthy eating, but further restricting access to Medicaid and SNAP is the wrong way.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as new developments come to light.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
