Thread by @gbosslet

There is a Supreme Court case (Talevski v. Health and Hospital Corp) that originated in Indiana that has major implications for federal safety net programs

This thread will outline the details and end with an advocacy opportunity

supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?fi…

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If you follow me you know I am from Indiana and a big proponent of #HoosierTwitter

This case originates in Indy, which is why I am so aware of it- but it has nationwide implications and now is the time we need to put on pressure to drop this case

Indiana needs your help

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This case is complex and I am not going to get into the weeds (plus I am not a lawyer)

It revolves around the Health and Hospital Corporation (HHC), a government entity that is a nursing home juggernaut in Indiana

It has a controversial past

indystar.com/in-depth/news/…

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George Talevski was a patient in one of HHC’s nursing homes

His wife sued when he was mistreated there

HHC is arguing that she has no standing to sue to enforce rights given that the federal government is the payer

reuters.com/legal/governme…

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But federal civil rights lawsuits by individuals is the way that federal safety net programs have been held in check

A ruling in favor of HHC could completely upend federal safety net programs, erode disability rights, and greatly impact women’s health

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If HHC were to prevail in this suit, 'It would, according to legal experts, effectively take the "entitlement" out of the nation's entitlement programs.'

indystar.com/story/news/202…

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It could also have major ramifications for disability rights

“This case is a large-scale assault on disability rights around the country”

disabilityscoop.com/2022/10/10/sup…

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This mechanism is also the way @plannedparenthood has fought off efforts to defund it, so there are also concerns that it could open the door to reducing access to contraceptives and women’s health services

indystar.com/story/news/202…

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TL;DR: If this suit is decided in favor of HHC, it could have major ramifications for women’s health, safety net programs, and disability rights

HHC’s 7-person board (chosen by Democratic lawmakers in Indianapolis) needs to drop the petition

Here is how to do this

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First, you can sign this simple petition urging the HHC board to hold an emergency meeting to hear from the public on this case

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hoosieraction.org/scotus

Next, you can use this page to send a letter to Indianapolis leadership to put pressure on the board

citact.org/hhc

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But this is probably not enough

If you know anyone on the HHC board, now is the time to engage them and ask why they are not taking action

We need advocacy groups to reach out to HHC directly and appeal to them to drop the petition

hhcorp.org/BT_BoardMember…

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HHC needs to drop the petition now, as the case is slated to be heard by SCOTUS on November 8

This is a big deal

Start making calls

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