Idaho Lawmakers Approve Medicaid reform

Idaho lawmakers moved forward with major Medicaid reform Thursday after compromising on some proposed cuts to the program, the Twin Falls Times-News reported Friday.

The state House Health and Welfare Committee removed two controversial cuts to programs for developmental therapy services. Still, the proposed changes will save about $34.4 million. The original bill has 23 proposed cuts and was estimated to save $39 million.

The last-minute changes came after lawmakers heard hundreds of Medicaid recipients and providers testify earlier in the week.

“It was primarily from what we heard during the public, hearing the level of opposition from the public from those two areas,” said Rep. Janice McGeachin, an Idaho Falls Republican and chairwoman of the committee.

The reform bill will continue on through the legislative process, and will be introduced today in the House Ways and Means Committee.