Homepage

For years, Idaho lawmakers have set their sights on Medicaid. In their most recent session, they considered Gov. Brad Little’s call for $22 million in budget cuts and a bill to repeal voter-approved Medicaid expansion.

Last year, the legislature slashed funding for a mobile treatment program for people with severe mental illness. The Idaho Sheriffs’ Association warned the changes risked public safety.

In less than three months, four patients died, sparking outrage from providers and some lawmakers.

The deaths hovered over the debate about Medicaid before the Idaho Legislature restored the program. But lawmakers still reduced pay rates for providers who care for people with disabilities and extended cuts to Medicaid’s already low reimbursement rates for doctors.