By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports 

The Idaho Senate passed a bill in a 24-10 vote Tuesday to extend Medicaid coverage postpartum for women for up to 12 months. 

Medicaid currently only covers pregnant women for 60 days after giving birth. House Bill 633 would extend that to 12 months, as some other states have done.   

Rather than enrollment in regular Medicaid, which is a 70-30 split between federal and state funding, the postpartum coverage would be eligible for a 90-10 funding split.  

Bill sponsor Sen. Abby Lee, R-Fruitland, said the bill helps the most vulnerable.  

“If we were ever to put money in Medicaid, I think it should be for babies and I think it should be for mothers,” Lee said.  

Those in opposition to the bill made arguments that the federal debt is excessive, and this would only add to it. 

“To me it implies that federal money is free or it’s Monopoly money or it doesn’t count,” said Sen. Brian Lenney, R-Nampa.  

“I’m not sure how it’s Idaho’s role to balance the federal budget,” said Sen. Geoff Schroeder, R-Mountain Home. “Particularly on the backs of struggling mothers who need help with their infants.” 

Schoeder said compared to the U.S. Department of Defense budget, this was “pittance.” 

Sen. Ali Rabe, D-Boise, had a baby less than 12 months ago, but said she is covered through private insurance.  

“It has been incredibly meaningful for me to have access to my OB/GYN,” Rabe said. “It has probably helped me prevent other health issues that would cost more money and more problems for me down the line and potentially cause fertility issues for me down the line. Having access to care after going through the tremendous effort of giving birth is miniscule to what we’re asking.” 

The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for signature.  

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