For her 14-year-old son’s whole life, Jessica Jackman’s main job has been caring for him.

That has meant constantly being by him to avoid falls, giving him seizure medication three-times daily to manage epilepsy, and carefully monitoring his food to avoid life-threatening risks of aspiration pneumonia.

For a few years, she’s been her son’s official paid caregiver through a new program that lets Idaho pay parents and spouses, instead of professional caregivers.

That program could end this month, as Idaho health officials say fraud and abuse have contributed to higher-than-expected program costs. 

But Jackman and some disability advocates worry Idaho’s scarce direct care workforce — in relatively low-paid, demanding jobs that often require helping with day-to-day tasks like bathing — can’t meet kids’ needs.

“You’re opening up a lot of children and spouses to a higher incidence of hospitalization because people don’t understand the unique care that needs to happen for each person,” Jackman told the Idaho Capital Sun in an interview. “It can be a matter of life and death — and that’s not an exaggeration in our situation.”

The program, called Family and Personal Care Services, was federally approved during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent COVID spread and address a direct care workforce shortage. 

Even if the family caregiver program stopped, personal care services typically provided by direct care workers would remain, officials say.

If the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approves, Idaho’s program could end Jan. 31. But the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, in a letter sent Friday to providers, said Idaho didn’t yet have federal approval to end the program then and anticipated it didn’t have enough time to prepare for automatically changing authorizations on Feb. 1.

Spouses or parents can remain as direct care workers, the agency wrote in the letter, which the Sun obtained. But the letter asked stakeholders to encourage program participants with parent or spouse caregivers to “begin looking for alternative caregivers” and said the agency would notify providers when arrangements must be made.

Moves by the Idaho Legislature to reinstate the program aren’t expected until 2026 as officials work on safeguards, said Idaho Senate Health and Welfare Committee Chairwoman Juile VanOrden, R-Pingree. 

“I don’t think we have any other programs in the state that supplement a salary … like this one does,” VanOrden told the Sun. “So it’s a unique program, and I think it has to have unique parameters around it.”

Idaho gives parents resources on how to continue care

When Idaho officials announced the move in November, they acknowledged many families correctly use the program and need it since they can’t find direct care workers. Officials pledged to help with resources and options. 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare outlined available provider agencies in all counties through a directory, and worked with families on training other family members or family friends — but not a “legally responsible individual” like an aunt or grandparent — to become employed as direct care staff for family members, agency spokesperson Greg Stahl told the Sun in an email.

“Parents who want to continue to provide (personal care services) are encouraged to consider staying on as a direct care staff for another family in their community,” he said. “We also encourage families to look at receiving … services from multiple agencies if one agency alone is unable to meet all scheduled hours.”

Health and Welfare “is always available to work with families to problem solve if they are still having difficulty getting all … hours covered for their loved one and navigating any of these options,” he added.

Disability Rights Idaho wrote in a public comment that Idaho’s waiver amendment to end the program “fails to provide sufficient assurances on how Idaho Medicaid will meet its obligation under Federal Medicaid law to assist families impacted by this program change and ensure a continuum of care.”

Referencing past watchdog reports that found shortcomings in Idaho health programs, Disability Rights Idaho officials wrote they are concerned the state health agency “continues to demonstrate a pattern or practice of inappropriate program management, oversight, and training which places Idahoans with disabilities, especially children, at risk for inadequate care and treatment, resulting in abuse, neglect, and exploitation.”

Even with the recently reported 10% growth in Idaho’s direct care workforce, the disability advocates wrote it’s unclear if there will be enough providers to serve children.

After submitting that public comment on Dec. 4, Disability Rights Idaho Executive Director Amy Cunningham told the Sun the organization heard from a parent who couldn’t find a direct care worker for their child after contacting 50 agencies.

The organization, Cunningham said, “is at a loss for understanding how Idaho Medicaid meets its obligations to Medicaid eligible children.”

In a 2022 report, the National Council on Disability recommended federal flexibilities that let Medicaid programs pay family members as caregivers remain permanently. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed family caregiver programs for children with special health needs. A 2023 study found Colorado’s paid family caregiver program for children showed promise for other states to draw on, but needed more study and improvements.

How one parent became an advocate for family disability caregiver program

After he had brain cancer at 14 months old, Nathan Hill’s oldest son is physically and developmentally disabled.

The 15 year-old breathes through a tracheostomy tube, eats through a gastronomy tube and sleeps with a ventilator, Hill told the Sun in an interview.

For years, Hill said he’s been dealing with constant nurse shortages. And he’s been telling Idaho Medicaid it needs to pay parents to care for their kids with disabilities.

When new caregivers start, parents often spend a couple weeks training them, he said. That’s about how long some caregivers stay, he said.

“It’s not that we don’t want to do it. We love our children and our spouses,” Hill said. “It’s just that there’s nobody else to do it.”

“We are in this downward spiral of poverty. Because you’re always pulled away (from your career). And you’re filling in these shoes that the state would be paying somebody to fill, but there’s nobody to fill them,” he said.

In early 2023, Hill started advocating.

Advocates say officials didn’t notify work group of concerns before seeking program’s end

Before announcing the program’s potential end, Hill said state health officials told a work group for the program they wanted to make the family caregiver program permanent. 

“At no point,” he said, “did they bring to the table their concerns.”

The work group needs to hear that, he said, to look at existing safeguards and plan out future measures to avoid fraud.

Asked why Health and Welfare didn’t notify the work group about fraud concerns before announcing the program’s planned end, Stahl said the agency hoped “this flexibility would work long-term and did not anticipate the unfortunate issues that have arisen over the last year.”

“Given active fraud and abuse investigations and time needed to confirm suspected trends, we were unable to share this information until we determined the full scope of the issues,” he said. “When we identified the significant number of issues and that some crossed over into health and safety concerns as well, we determined more extensive action was needed.”

Stahl also said because of a new law requiring legislative approval for Medicaid waivers, the agency believed adding more safeguards would’ve required legislative approval in 2025. 

“The current structure to allow for parents and spouses as paid caregivers does not provide the appropriate level of oversight given the significant growth in the number of families” that applied, Stahl said. “This poses significant health and safety risks to participants being served in addition to fraud and abuse of the program; we are required to take swift action to address these issues.”

While alleged fraud is under investigation, officials release little information

In response to one public records request seeking program data by a community member, the agency replied the request would cost $12,150 to fulfill. In response to a separate request for information about fraud and abuse claims, the agency said it didn’t have such records — but offered a three-page explanation of fraud allegations that the agency said wasn’t legally required.

The agency shared that letter with the Sun.

Twenty-two personal care agencies were being audited by a health agency unit, the letter read, for “ineligible payments to legally responsible individuals,” which refers to family members eligible to be paid caregivers under the program. 

But Hill said those provider agencies were actually being audited for a billing issue that he says stems from Health and Welfare not adequately notifying agencies that family caregivers couldn’t be paid for providing homemaker services, such as preparing meals or doing laundry, to adults with disabilities, but that outside direct caregivers could.

The agency wrote it couldn’t speak to the status of cases being handled by the Attorney General’s Office, but said “so far, no criminal charges have been filed.”

The records request response letter provided by the agency was partly redacted. But it appears to be dated as early as Nov. 14, according to a copy of a similar, unredacted letter the Sun obtained.

Health and Welfare wouldn’t tell the Sun how many cases of program fraud and abuse it notified law enforcement of, saying it couldn’t comment on pending investigations. But asked if charges were filed or if the agency alleges illegal use, Stahl said “fraud and abuse of this benefit has been confirmed.”

Some families didn’t want outside caregivers

Jackman’s son is non-verbal, she said, but uses a device to help communicate and gives cues through his body language.

“I know exactly what he needs,” Jackman said.

She cared for him without pay until a few years ago, when she signed up as a paid family caregiver, after learning about the program from parents who went to the same clinic as her son.

But even if she’d known her son would qualify for an outside caregiver, Jackman doesn’t think she would’ve used one. Partly because bringing another person in the house risks her son developing an infection or needing hospitalization, since he’s immunocompromised.

Her son, she said, sometimes has seizures severe enough that an ambulance must visit.

Working with a direct care agency as a paid caregiver has helped to have people to consult on her son’s needs, she said. 

But she’s heard it’d be difficult to find an outside caregiver to provide the level of care her son needs. 

“You can’t learn these skills in school. It’s … hands-on learning,” Jackman said. “In fact, I have RNs that refer to me: ‘How do you care for this?’”

To Hill, a lot of what health officials outlined as fraud concerns weren’t “so much fraud, as it is a lack of educating.”

The program’s recent rapid enrollment growth doesn’t appear unusual, he said. 

In 2015, fewer than 500 families were enrolled in Idaho’s professional caregiver program, according to Health and Welfare. 

Hill thinks enrollment was low then because many families just gave up on the program — out of frustration with caregiver staffing shortages. 

That’s what he did.

“We didn’t want anything to do with it,” Hill said, “because I don’t want somebody being paid 13-bucks an hour, coming in off the street, who doesn’t really care, and who I spend two weeks training, and who stays for two weeks, and then I’m down again for however long. And then I go through the next one and the next one. All the while, my son’s dignity is stripped.”

Over 1,100 enrollees, as of November, is less than what he’d expect across Idaho’s professional and family caregiver programs, since research finds at least .67% of kids are medically complex but population estimates show over 460,000 Idahoans are minors.

For the past five years that Hill has been a paid caregiver, he said his son has had no hospitalizations.

Citing growing costs, Idaho seeks to end parental disability care worker program

VanOrden, who chairs the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, said she doesn’t expect the Legislature to reinstate the program this year. 

“I feel like I need time to get some data in place and actually to make a case to my colleagues here for bringing the program back and making sure that we have safeguards in place that they’re comfortable with. That will be a checks and balances for this program, because I think there wasn’t anything in there,” the senator told the Sun in an interview last week.

She also said she’d heard of state efforts to boost training for direct care workers, and she’s involved in conversations to ensure state-appropriated raises go to them.

If the program ends, Jackman said her mom can handle some of her son’s care hours as a direct care worker. Her older son may be able to help, too. 

But since her mom physically can’t provide all the care her son needs, Jackman said she’d still be around. 

“None of this will allow me to work outside of the home, or replace the needed hours,” she said. 

If the program ends, Hill said he will keep working toward a permanent program.

But for his family, he said, “we will have to figure out how to do that impossible juggle.”

Now is the perfect time to plan for your spring garden. During the winter months, gardeners can reflect on last year’s successes and challenges, research new crops, and design a planting schedule. By preparing early, you can optimize your planting strategy and make this spring your most productive gardening season yet.

One method to consider is succession planting, where crops are planted at intervals throughout the growing season, rather than all at once. This approach helps extend the harvest and maximize the use of garden space. For Eastern Idaho gardeners, succession planting is especially valuable, as it can stretch harvests from early spring to late fall.

In Eastern Idaho, the growing season is often short and unpredictable. By understanding timing, selecting the right crops, and planting in stages, gardeners can enjoy a more abundant harvest despite varying weather conditions.

The variety of plants in this planter box demonstrates the concept of succession planting, where crops are planted in stages to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. As one crop matures and is harvested, another can take its place, making the most of the available space and extending the garden’s productivity.

Benefits of Succession Planting

Succession planting offers several advantages, particularly in a climate like Eastern Idaho’s. One primary benefit is increased yield. By planting crops at intervals, your garden produces steadily over time instead of all at once, ensuring a continuous harvest. This approach also helps prevent the glut of crops often seen when planting everything simultaneously.

Another benefit is extending your harvest season. Succession planting allows you to plant crops suited for different stages of the year. Cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas can be planted early in the spring, followed by warm-season crops like tomatoes and beans once the weather warms. Later in the season, you can plant quick-maturing vegetables like radishes and turnips, which can be harvested before the first frost. By staggering plantings, you ensure a steady supply of fresh vegetables throughout the growing season.

Additionally, succession planting allows efficient use of garden space. As one crop is harvested, it can be replaced with another, ensuring no space is left idle for long. This method maximizes the productivity of your garden, making it ideal for gardeners with limited space.

Planning and Timing

Effective succession planting requires careful planning and timing. The key is designing your garden to accommodate multiple plantings throughout the season while understanding each crop’s needs.

When planning your garden, map out planting areas to maximize available space. For example, cool-season crops like lettuce and spinach thrive in cooler temperatures, while warm-season crops like tomatoes and beans need full sun and warmth. You should rotate crops and track when and where you plant them to optimize space and keep your garden productive.

Timing is crucial for succession planting. Cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes thrive in cool conditions and can be planted early in the spring, often before the last frost. These crops mature quickly, in 30-60 days, making them ideal for early-season planting. After harvesting them, you can plant warm-season crops or another round of cool-season crops.

Warm-season crops like beans, tomatoes, peppers, and squash require warmer temperatures and should be planted after the threat of frost has passed, typically in late spring. These crops take longer to mature, often 60-90 days, so careful planning is needed to ensure they have enough time to mature before the first frost.

Quick-growing crops like radishes, turnips, and greens mature in 30-40 days and are perfect for filling gaps between slower-growing crops. These fast growers can be planted after harvesting early crops, ensuring a continuous harvest.

Crop Selection for Succession Planting

Choosing the right crops is key for success in succession planting, especially in Eastern Idaho’s variable climate. Below are some ideal crops for succession planting:

Cool-season crops can tolerate light frosts and thrive in early spring. They’re perfect for planting as soon as the soil is workable.

• Lettuce: Grows quickly and can be harvested in 30-40 days. Ideal for multiple plantings throughout the season.
• Spinach: Hardy and quick-growing, spinach matures in 40-50 days.
• Radishes: Ready in as little as 30 days, making them perfect for succession planting.
• Peas: Plant early in spring and harvest in 60-70 days.
• Kale: Thrives in cooler temperatures and can be harvested multiple times throughout the season.

Warm-season crops need higher temperatures and should be planted after the last frost, typically in late spring.

• Tomatoes: Require full sun and warmth. Harvest in late summer.
• Beans: Quick-growing, typically maturing in 60-70 days. Perfect for planting after early crops.
• Squash: Needs a long growing period. Plant after the last frost.
• Peppers: Require warmth and take 70-90 days to mature.

Quick-growing crops mature in 30-40 days, perfect for filling gaps between other crops.

• Turnips: Ready in 30-60 days, ideal for early or late-season planting.
• Arugula: A fast-growing leafy green, maturing in about 30 days.
• Mustard Greens: Another quick grower that thrives in cool weather.
• Beets: Matures quickly, ideal for filling gaps in the season.

Tips for Crop Selection in Eastern Idaho

When selecting crops for succession planting, consider Eastern Idaho’s growing season and soil conditions. Cool-season crops, such as lettuce and peas, can handle frost, making them ideal for early planting. Warm-season crops like tomatoes, beans, and squash should wait until the soil and air warm up in late spring.

Also, keep soil health in mind. Succession planting often involves planting in the same soil multiple times, so crop rotation is essential. Some crops, such as legumes (peas, beans), help replenish nitrogen in the soil, which benefits subsequent plantings. Adding compost and organic matter will help maintain soil fertility throughout the growing season.

Succession planting is a great way to maximize your harvest, especially in Eastern Idaho, where the growing season can be short. By selecting the right crops, timing your plantings carefully, and using your space efficiently, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout the growing season. Whether you have a small garden or a larger plot, succession planting can help you make the most of your garden, even in challenging climates.

IDAHO FALLS — Hunter Portmann, at roughly 6-foot and around 200 pounds, was selected as one of the top eighth-grade football players in the country, taking part in the Middle School All-American Game last week.

The Idaho Falls resident, and soon-to-be Thunder Ridge Titan, said he has been playing football since he could walk, and given his size, he has always played on the defensive line. He has “come to love” being a lineman, he said, and prefers defensive tackle to defensive end because, “I just have a better build for interior, I can power through a lot of guys.”

Several months ago, Hunter’s father, Aaron, submitted game film, statistics and physical measurement of his son for consideration for the All-American Game. Eight days later, he received notice that Hunter had been one of 36 players selected to take part in the game, held in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Aaron said he was “obviously beaming” upon receiving the email, and immediately forwarded it to his son.

“I’m always proud of my boys, and they’ve always gone above and beyond what I’ve ever expected of them,” Aaron said. “But (Hunter’s) put in the time, he works with a trainer two or three times a week … and he has flourished through that training.”

Aaron went on to explain that Hunter has long been in the athletic shadow of his older brother, Ryder. The sophomore just finished his second season as Thunder Ridge’s varsity quarterback — an injury-plagued season that left Ryder and his teammates hungry for an improved season next year.

So, this acknowledgement, if nothing else, at least allowed a light to be shone on the younger Portmann brother.

“I was just so excited for him, that his hard work paid off,” Aaron said.

But the experience offered much more than just a little recognition.

Hunter said he learned “so much” while playing with some of the best eighth-grade football players in the country, for some of the best coaches the game has to offer.

“It was pretty cool,” the youngster said. “It was good to experience going against competition that’s way, way more experienced.”

Hunter explained that the event brought the players together for five days of training, capped with a game that pitted his team, the “Black Team” against the “White Team.” The game, which was won, 14-6, by the White Team, is available for viewing on YouTube — here (Hunter is 92 in black).

Not only did he get a chance to put his skills as a defensive tackle on display, he also got some reps at offensive guard. All told, Hunter feels like he put together a great performance on a huge stage, against the best competition he could ask for.

He explained that while he never recorded a sack, he did get a tackle for a loss, and broke up one pass attempt while also registering a few quarterback hurries. As an interior defensive lineman though, his value to a team is not often measured by statistical performance, but by his ability to control the line of scrimmage, which is something he felt he did well all game.

“Being not the biggest kid there, I still held my ground pretty well — I was able to hold my ground against any kid there,” Hunter said.

And the biggest takeaway was the confidence the game and being selected for it brought. Despite his size, Hunter admitted that he has always lacked confidence in himself.

Perhaps it is being the younger of two brothers — with an older brother who has been a two-sport star (baseball and football) all his life — but he has never been certain of his place at the athletic table.

“I think I’ve always just put too much pressure on myself,” he said. “But going into that Florida game, I just let all that pressure go, and I played way better — that was probably the best game that I’ve ever played. … I want to have more experiences like that”

He came away from the game with the self-confidence he has long lacked, and the understanding that he needs to mature as a player to be among the top-tier of the already elite.

Packing on a little more muscle, he added, won’t hurt, which has already taken his focus as he has begun lifting with the Thunder Ridge team.

Aside from football, the trip provided some off-the-field time that Hunter will always cherish.

This is the first time he has been to Florida — aside from a family trip when he was a toddler. It was also offered rare one-on-one time with his mother. So when he wasn’t working at the field, he was taking in some sights, and sun, with mom. He even used the money his father gave him for the trip to take his mother out for dinner.

But for all the joy the trip with his mom brought, it was, in the end, a business trip. One he is already looking to build upon.

With Ryder recently being named a three-star recruit, according to Aaron, Hunter’s older brother has several recruiting visits planned to universities this summer, and Hunter will tag along, looking to get his name out there early — and perhaps soak up even more of those great experiences.