By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports
The House Health and Welfare Committee advanced HCR 30 on Monday, which would direct the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to seek work requirements for Medicaid recipients and other cost-saving solutions.
Rep. John Vander Woude, R-Nampa, sponsored the resolution, which states “that the Legislature requests that the Department of Health and Welfare implement a cost-sharing approach at least to the levels developed by other states.”
The resolution suggests DHW request work requirement waivers similar to what Georgia and Arkansas have requested from the federal government. Georgia’s requirement is the subject of litigation with the federal government.
The resolution also states DHW should “apply for the necessary waivers to allow those between 100% and 138% of the federal poverty limit to choose between Medicaid and private sector plans.”
Vander Woude said he would like Health and Welfare to come up with some cost-saving solutions.
The committee heard no testimony on the legislation.
The resolution advanced in a voice vote, with opposition only from Rep. Nate Roberts, D-Pocatello.
Ruth Brown | Producer
Ruth Brown grew up in South Dakota and her first job out of college was covering the South Dakota Legislature. She’s since moved on to Idaho lawmakers. Brown spent 10 years working in print journalism, including newspapers such as the Idaho Statesman and Idaho Press, where she’s covered everything from the correctional system to health care issues. She joined Idaho Reports in 2021 and looks forward to telling stories about how state policy can impact the lives of regular Idahoans.