Idaho
Idaho Medicaid reform bill moves to the governor's desk
BOISE, Idaho — Changes could be coming for Idahoans on Medicaid. House Bill 345, which has already cleared the Idaho House and Senate, focuses on creating a Medicaid plan where one managed care organization is in charge of all state Medicaid.
While some Idahoans express concerns about how this will impact them, lawmakers say the bill aims to reduce costs and ensure sustainability.
Lawmakers in the Idaho House approve Medicaid bill with new oversight measures
The bill’s sponsor, republican state representative Jordan Redman said, “We’ve had a number of different bills come up this year that address everything from full repeal to significant sideboards. This kind of meets in the middle and gives some sideboards and sustainability as far as access goes. We’ve had provider protections in there.”
The bill also targets Medicaid reform and expansion. One key aspect is that the bill creates work requirements for people between 19 and 64 years old, requiring them to work, volunteer, or attend some type of school or training for at least 20 hours a week to receive Medicaid benefits.
“There are a number of exceptions in there as well… I think there’s a lot of value and dignity in doing something outside of your community, whether it’s work or volunteering, and so I think that’s a benefit. But there was some opposition, saying that people were going to lose coverage based on that,” said Redman.
Angela Lindig is the executive director for Idaho Parents Unlimitedand testified against the bill.
She said, “There are so many various components that it’s hard to know what to even focus on.”
The organization works with families who have children with disabilities or who need special health care. Although this legislation won’t directly impact the nonprofit, Lindig says she could personally be affected as her daughter, Amber, uses Medicaid services to live independently.
She worries this bill could impact the growing provider shortage across the country.
“We want to make sure that any changes made to Medicaid don’t create even greater strains on that provider shortage problem because it’s already at a place where people have been displaced,” said Lindig.
If Governor Little signs the bill, lawmakers say it will save the state $15.9 million in the fiscal year 2026 and even more in 2027— $27.2 million.
The bill will soon be on its way to the governor’s desk.
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.
U.S.-Israeli strikes spark dueling rallies in Twin Cities
CBSB: Southern Miss sweeps again, Mississippi State shines in Texas, Ole Miss struggles – SuperTalk Mississippi
Missouri Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 winning numbers for March 1, 2026
Your guide to local sports events, plus what’s on TV
Nebraska Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 5 on March 1, 2026
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
House Republicans push Johnson to go to war with Senate over SAVE Act
Israel FM says Europe too divided, slams Spanish PM
Satellite images provide view inside Iran at war
Video: What the Texas Primary Battle Means for the Midterms
Dems’ potential 2028 hopefuls come out against US strikes on Iran
-
World4 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts5 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Denver, CO4 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Louisiana1 week agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Technology1 week agoYouTube TV billing scam emails are hitting inboxes
-
Politics1 week agoOpenAI didn’t contact police despite employees flagging mass shooter’s concerning chatbot interactions: REPORT
-
Technology1 week agoStellantis is in a crisis of its own making
-
News1 week agoWorld reacts as US top court limits Trump’s tariff powers