Indiana’s Long-Term Care Industry Honors Sen. Crider as Public Servant of the Year
August 19, 2026 | Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Aug. 19, 2026) – The Indiana Health Care Association/Indiana Center for Assisted Living honored State Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) with its 2026 Public Servant of the Year Award at its annual Convention and Expo today.
IHCA/INCAL is the state’s largest trade association and advocacy group representing over 500 long-term care communities. Its member network includes more than 80,000 healthcare professionals who care for over 50,000 Hoosiers daily. The IHCA/INCAL Public Servant of the Year Award recognizes distinguished public officials who fiercely champion Indiana’s long-term care profession and advocate for vulnerable residents requiring post-acute care.
As the Senate sponsor of House Enrolled Act 1277, Crider championed a critical new state law during the 2026 legislative session reforming the state’s PathWays for Aging Medicaid Program, protecting elderly and vulnerable Hoosiers who rely on skilled nursing, assisted living, and home- and community-based services.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition, but the real thanks should go to our boots on the ground – all those who choose to care for, support and protect the elderly and at-risk members of our community,” Crider said. “Bringing more stability to the Hoosiers who rely on these programs will have a positive impact both on their care as well as on the system that is supporting them.”
“It’s a privilege to recognize Sen. Crider as a long-term care champion and present him with the 2026 Public Servant of the Year Award,” said Paul Peaper, IHCA/INCAL president. “He is a hardworking legislator who is passionate about helping others. Thanks to his dedication, more Hoosier seniors and those with disabilities will receive the critical medical care they need and deserve. We look forward to continuing our work with Sen. Crider to strengthen state policies impacting our industry, residents and practitioners.”
First elected to the Indiana Senate in 2012, Crider represents Senate District 28, which includes Hancock County and portions of Marion and Shelby counties. He serves as Majority Whip of the Senate Republican leadership team, chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Transportation, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Military. He also serves as a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations, Health and Provider Services, Joint Rules, and Rules and Legislative Procedure.
IHCA/INCAL is the state’s largest trade association and advocacy group representing for-profit and not-for-profit nursing homes, assisted living, and independent living communities. The association provides education, information, and advocacy for health care providers, consumers, and the workforce on behalf of its more than 500 member communities.
State Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) represents Senate District 28, which includes Hancock County and portions of Shelby and Marion counties.