Idaho committee hears bill to require one free medical-record copy for Social Security disability claims; measure held in committee

Representative Josh Wheeler, District 35, introduced Senate Bill 1087 to the House Health and Welfare Committee, saying the measure "will ensure that Idaho patients have timely and cost free access to critical medical records while pursuing their Social Security benefits." The bill would require health care providers to furnish one free copy of a patient's medical records—physical or mental—when needed to support a documented claim or appeal under the Social Security Act.

Why it matters: Supporters said the bill would remove financial barriers for disabled Idahoans who often rely on attorneys to request records and who can face high per-page charges from third-party record aggregators. Opponents cautioned that the mandate could impose costs on providers and suggested alternative ways to narrow costs.

Senator Doug Ricks, District 34, said the bill targets large out-of-state medical-record aggregators that contract with hospitals and "have attached, what I feel is excessive fees" for…