Proposed legislation could repeal Medicaid expansion in Idaho

BOISE, IDAHO (CBS2) — A new bill introduced in the Idaho Legislature would add new requirements to Idaho's Medicaid expansion. The bill would also give lawmakers the right to repeal Medicaid expansion.

The bill's sponsor Rep. Jordan Redman says that the bill would add a series of checks and balances to the state's Medicaid budget. During a Health & Welfare committee meeting Redman says Idaho's state Medicaid budget passed in 2023 was the largest in state history.

The Idaho Medicaid budget passed last year totaled $4.5 billion. It included money from the general fund as well as federal funding.

The bill includes placing a cap on the number of people enrolled in the program as well as limiting the amount of time people can be enrolled in the state's expanded health program passed by Idaho voters in 2018.

If those conditions are not met the state could then repeal Medicaid expansion.

The bill was formally introduced on Monday, Jan. 22nd. It remains in the Health and Welfare Committee where it's expected to receive more debate before it heads to the House floor.