BOISE, Idaho – Idaho House Bill 138 would effectively repeal Medicaid expansion, which would put nearly 85,000 state residents at risk of losing their health care coverage, including cancer patients who rely on Medicaid for life-saving treatment. A similar bill introduced last year was met with aggressive opposition from more than 400 Idahoans who cited the program’s crucial support for their quality of life. The bill will be given a hearing on Wednesday at 8 a.m. MT in the House Health and Welfare Committee.
Medicaid expansion has been a critical tool in the fight against cancer, providing access to early detection and screenings and timely treatment for low-income Idahoans as well as rural healthcare support that keeps hospitals open and accessible. A 2023 Idaho Supports Medicaid poll found 73% of state residents believe the program should be kept in place, as is.
HB 138 would accomplish the opposite of that. It would strip coverage from thousands, forcing cancer patients and others with serious illnesses to delay or forgo necessary care.
The following statement can be attributed in full or part to American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Government Relations Director Randy Johnson:
“For the more than 11,000 Idaho residents who will be diagnosed with cancer this year alone, Medicaid expansion isn’t just a policy — it’s a lifeline. It ensures access to timely diagnoses, life-saving treatments and a fighting chance against this disease. If this bill is successful, many of our friends and loved ones will face a cruel reality of losing the care they need or facing financial devastation.
“If Medicaid expansion is repealed or restricted these individuals and their families could face degraded quality of life, inability to access treatment, and diminished hope for recovery.
“Idaho is a state built on the strength of our communities and a deep commitment to taking care of one another. Medicaid expansion reflects those values — it saves lives, strengthens families, and protects our health care system. Lawmakers must reject HB 138 and stand with Idahoans who need care.”