Granger Family Won Appeal to Keep Nursing Hours
The state attempted to cut a child's weekly in-home nursing care from 48 hours to 32.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Special Needs
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In May 2026, a Granger family successfully appealed an Indiana Family and Social Services Administration decision that sought to reduce their son's weekly in-home nursing care from 48 hours to 32 hours.
Why it matters
The case highlights the challenges families face when state agencies attempt to re-evaluate and reduce authorized medical support hours for children with complex needs.
The Veldman family secured 48 hours of weekly nursing care for their son following a May 6, 2026, appeal hearing. This ruling prevented a state-proposed reduction to 32 hours per week for the child, who was born with Long Gap Esophageal Atresia type A and Tetralogy of Fallot.
The players
Archer Veldman
The child requiring in-home nursing care due to Long Gap Esophageal Atresia type A and Tetralogy of Fallot.
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
The state agency responsible for managing medical benefit authorizations and handling the family's case hearing.
Candace Mack
A regional manager who directed interview requests regarding state policy to offices located downstate.
The details
The agency attempted to re-evaluate the medical necessity of the family's existing care plan. After receiving a notice of the proposed reduction, the family participated in a formal case hearing to contest the change. The appeal resulted in a decision to maintain the original level of authorized weekly nursing support.
Timeline
December 28, 2018: Archer Veldman was born.
May 6, 2026: The family underwent a case hearing.
May 28, 2026: The family received a letter stating they won the appeal.
June 17, 2026 - July 15, 2026: A reporter placed 13 calls to the agency.
July 15, 2026: The reporter visited the St. Joseph County FSSA office.
The Home Front
This case underscores the role of the state's formal appeal mechanism in navigating benefit re-evaluations. Families relying on state-authorized medical support may use these hearings to contest changes to their home-based care hours.
Families facing similar re-evaluations should document all medical care needs and maintain clear records of their child's diagnosis. If a notice of reduction is received, keep documentation of the official appeal process and any hearing dates to ensure your case is fully presented.
The takeaway
Advocating for your family during a benefit re-evaluation requires diligent record-keeping and participation in the formal appeal hearing. Keep a copy of your current authorization notice and any correspondence from the state in a central location to prepare for future reviews.
Further reading
Learn more about navigating care authorization processes in our Special Needs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by South Bend Tribune.
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