Medicaid Expansion Changes

H 138 Medicaid Expansion, Conditions, has passed the House 38-32 and is on to the Senate committee.  This could curb abuses in Medicaid and to be slow it down when the Federal government pays less and less.  Medicaid expansion could bankrupt Idaho.  This bill includes work requirements. The programs was intended to help the working poor, however more than 50% of the people using it do not have jobs.

H 138 Medicaid Expansion, Conditions

This legislation ensures the sustainability of Idaho's Medicaid program by implementing work requirements, enrollment caps, and improper payment controls, while prioritizing resources for vulnerable populations. It also establishes conditions for Medicaid expansion, including time-limited benefits and optional private coverage for higher-income enrollees, with flexibility to redirect funds if requirements are not met.

https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0138SOP.pdf

https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0138.pdf

H 58 Medicaid Expansion, Repeal

This legislation repeals §56-267 of Idaho Code, Medicaid Expansion, the costs of which have been considerably more than originally projected. The Department of Health and Welfare estimated Medicaid Expansion would cost $1,123,526,800. With expenses split approximately 90% federal and 10% state. If this passes estimated savings are anticipated to be at least $110 million annually to the state.

https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0058.pdf

Check out this amazing podcast on "Here We Have Idaho",  interviewing the bill sponsor Rep. Redman. He give the history of Medicaid Expansion in Idaho and the reasons for changing it.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367617/episodes/16740241-representative-jordan-redman?t=0