Idaho
Disability advocates gather at Idaho Capitol to support Medicaid expansion
BOISE, Idaho — Disability advocates gathered at the Idaho State Capitol on Wednesday for Fred Riggers Disability Awareness Day, an annual event aimed at raising awareness and advocating for policies that support people with disabilities.
For Ian, a longtime attendee, the event is a highlight of his year.
“This is one of my highlights of the year… I’m here basically to help, to give cheer, and to show other people that living by yourself with a disability is possible,” he said. “People with disabilities can do anything they put their mind to.”
One of the day’s key focuses was the impact of Medicaid expansion on Idahoans with disabilities. Medicaid expansion, approved by voters in 2018, has provided healthcare coverage to more than 80,000 Idahoans.
For Nole, who has cerebral palsy, Medicaid is critical to his ability to live independently.
“If I lost my Medicaid coverage, that would not be good, and that would make my anxiety go through the roof,” he said.
However, as lawmakers consider measures to cut or cap Medicaid expansion, advocates warn of the potential consequences for people with disabilities.
State Rep. Marco Erickson (R) pushed back against the argument that Medicaid expansion is a financial burden for Idaho.
“There’s a narrative around here often that says it’s costing us a lot more money than it really is… It’s really a wash for us, and we’re getting $1.85 an hour back for every dollar we’re spending. So I think that’s a good investment for the state of Idaho,” Erickson said.
For Ian and Nole, Medicaid is more than just a program—it is a lifeline to independence.
“People with disabilities are in the community, and they’re just like you and me,” Ian said. “Understanding this population is the first step toward acceptance.”
On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched major strikes in Tehran, with President Trump calling for an Iranian regime change.
RELATED | Trump announces ‘major combat operations’ in Iran, reportedly killing hundreds
President Trump authorized the U.S military operation without congressional approval, a decision that Democrats in Congress are arguing is unconstitutional.
RELATED | Trump’s Iran attack raises legal concerns among Democrats in Congress
Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea says Democrats are “demanding answers and accountability on behalf of the American people, who are being dragged toward another open-ended war they do not support.”
Necochea says her greatest concern lies with American troops, contractors and civilians who she says “did not choose this conflict.”
“Idaho has thousands of active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, and military families who live with the consequences when leaders make reckless choices,” she says.
However, not all lawmakers share Necochea’s sentiments.
Idaho Republican representative Mike Simpson commends President Trump’s “decisive action” in Iran.
Idaho News 6
“Iran was given every opportunity to resolve this peacefully through negotiations but chose not to,” Simpson said in a post to Facebook. “I commend President Trump for taking decisive action against a regime responsible for decades of terror. May God protect our men and women in uniform on this vital mission.”
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Nearly two-thirds of Idaho voters approved Medicaid expansion, but local leaders say that coverage is now at risk.
According to the organizers of a town hall set for Saturday, February 28, proposed changes could severely impact Idaho’s rural hospitals and leave thousands of residents without access to healthcare.
The town hall, titled “Protecting What Works: Medicaid Expansion in Idaho,” will take place at Chubbuck City Hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
A panel of representatives from across the healthcare sector — including home health, hospitals, and public and community health — will answer questions about how Medicaid expansion works in Idaho and how potential cuts could affect communities. Organizers say there will also be time for audience questions.
One of the event organizers told Local News 8 why the discussion is important:
“There have been conversations in the last couple of legislative sessions about either fully repealing Medicaid expansion or making significant cuts to Medicaid,” Shantay Boxham, the organizer, said. “This is an educational forum to ensure voters and community members have the information they need about what the program is, what’s at stake, and how it supports Idaho and Idahoans.”
There are limited seats available for the meeting. To reserve a spot, visit members.pocatello.com.
Local News 8 will continue to follow this story and have updates tomorrow.
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