BOISE, Idaho –– The threat of Medicaid expansion repeal and to Idahoans’ access to health care that was House Bill 138 ended Tuesday morning when HB 328 was introduced as replacement legislation. The action effectively kills HB 138.
Broad opposition to HB 138 came from state residents who voted to initiate Medicaid expansion, business leaders, economists, health care providers, professionals and advocates from across the spectrum of disciplines, including cancer care, children’s and mental health. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is grateful that lawmakers heard those voices and decided to end what was a clear effort at Medicaid expansion repeal.
ACS CAN hopes lawmakers also hear that, despite the removal of the repeal trigger language, HB 328 introduces new red tape and barriers for Medicaid enrollees. The changes to Idaho’s Medicaid program proposed in the House Health & Welfare Committee this morning would serve to limit access to care for tens of thousands of hard-working Idahoans who are most in need despite sometimes holding down multiple jobs.
Among those, work requirements have proven difficult and costly to implement and keep eligible, working people from basic health care through bureaucracy and systemic glitches. Other parts of the bill would harm health care providers and increase red tape for Idahoans on Medicaid to get and stay enrolled.
ACS CAN looks forward to speaking with lawmakers and Gov. Brad Little about why Medicaid expansion, as enacted by a high percentage of their constituents, should remain in place.
The following statement can be attributed in full or part to American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Government Relations Director Randy Johnson:
“The defeat of HB 138 is a critical victory for Idahoans who rely on Medicaid Expansion for life-saving care, including cancer patients and those with chronic illnesses. However, we remain deeply concerned about the remaining waiver proposals in HB 328 that would impose unnecessary red tape and bureaucratic hurdles, ultimately leading to health coverage losses for hard-working families. ACS CAN will continue to educate lawmakers about the real harm these provisions would cause and advocate for policies that protect and strengthen Medicaid expansion, ensuring Idahoans can access the care they need without unnecessary barriers.”