CareSource's JobConnect program is demonstrating a significant impact on the health and financial stability of participating Indiana Medicaid members, according to a study by Health Management Associates (HMA), an independent national healthcare research firm. The program, which pairs Medicaid members with life coaches to find work, has generated substantial economic benefits for the state and improved health outcomes for participants, demonstrating how stable employment supports healthier residents and a more sustainable Medicaid system.
JobConnect aims to help individuals achieve long-term health, independence, and financial security through meaningful employment. CareSource, a managed care entity, provides life coaches who assist participants with job searching, building interview skills, navigating employment barriers, and accessing crucial supports such as food, housing, childcare, or educational assistance.
The HMA study highlights the program's tangible results for participants, their communities, and the state's economy. In 2024, an estimated 75% of participants who secured jobs transitioned off Medicaid due to increased earnings, resulting in savings for the Family and Social Services Administration. Overall, the program contributed more than $3.5 million in wages, tax credits, and food and housing benefits to Indiana participants that year.
These earnings also circulated through local economies. The analysis indicated that spending by employed participants supported activity at local grocery stores, restaurants, retailers, nonprofit organizations, and other businesses. This ripple effect generated an aggregate value of more than $8 million in new revenue for Indiana’s economy in 2024. The CareSource JobConnect program, in total, yielded a 12:1 return on investment for participants and communities across Indiana.
Beyond financial and economic benefits, the HMA study also revealed a direct health impact from stable employment. Between 2021 and 2025, CareSource JobConnect participants experienced a 20% decrease in hospital admissions and an 11% reduction in avoidable emergency department visits. This shift represents a move toward preventative care and away from more costly health outcomes.
This data reinforces the observation by many physicians, health plans, and community organizations that an individual's health is closely shaped by their living and working conditions. Losing a job, for instance, can affect more than just income, making it harder to manage chronic health conditions, maintain stable housing, and afford basic needs. The stress associated with unemployment can also impact mental and behavioral health, potentially leading to more serious concerns without adequate support.
Indiana’s monthly jobs reports already indicate an encouraging trend, with the state’s unemployment rate at its lowest in years and the labor force participation rate consistently outpacing the national average for over a decade. This positive economic backdrop further emphasizes the value of programs that support employment.
By continuing to invest in employment and wraparound supports, managed care entities in Indiana can help more families build a foundation for prosperity while supporting a stronger and more sustainable Medicaid program for the state.
