Gov. Holcomb Extends Public Health Emergency Keeping Key Provisions In Place

The extension ensures the state continues to receive enhanced federal funding for Medicaid and SNAP benefits.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana’s public health emergency has been extended another 30 days.

Governor Eric Holcomb today signed Executive Orders 21-31 and 21-32 to continue the public health emergency and the executive order for provisions that address the impact of COVID-19.

Under the public health emergency, the state is eligible to receive enhanced federal funding for Medicaid programs to help cover the increased costs of 500,000 Hoosiers who have enrolled in the programs because of the pandemic.

So far, Indiana has received $972 million in enhanced funding, but would lose more than $175 million in future funding through March 2022 if the state public health emergency ends before the federal public health emergency.

Approximately 250,000 Hoosiers would also lose partial or full Medicaid coverage.

Holcomb’s executive orders also allow 200,000 eligible households to receive additional federal food assistance.

Another key provision allows the state health commissioner to serve as the statewide ordering physician for those who choose to be vaccinated. This offers easy access to vaccines through pharmacies, local health departments and other health facilities.

The current public health emergency is set to expire on December 31.  

Click here to see the executive orders.

More from Local News

Events

Oxbow Nature Conservancy Added to Indiana Birding Trail

The Indiana Birding Trail is a curated collection of premier birding locations designed to connect people with birds.

Highway Plan Delivers 6-Year Outlook of Investments for Safe and Promising Future

Includes investments in major bi-state projects and safer, more efficient roads and bridges across the commonwealth.

Secretary of State Reminds Candidates of January 21 Campaign Finance Reporting Deadline

Indiana law requires candidates and campaign committees to periodically disclose contribution and expense details.

Redwine, Roell and Bills Represent SEI at IHSAA Girls Wrestling State Finals

Redwine and Roell each placed in the 125-pound tournament.

All-Sportsmanship Teams Announced for Fall Sports

Many area high schools earned First Team All-Sportsmanship.

Local Sports Report - January 15, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Toby Keith and Willie Nelson Beer for My Horses 0:30
Charley Pride I'm Gonna Love Her on the Radio 0:26
Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde Never Wanted To Be That Girl 0:22
Clint Black Put Yourself in My Shoes 0:19