Committee narrows refugee medical assistance eligibility; debate centers on cost and humanitarian concerns

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee advanced House Bill 199 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation after debate about program cost and humanitarian impact.

Sponsor Senator Keiser told the committee the bill moves an existing refugee medical assistance rule into statute and removes an extra income allowance that previously allowed certain refugees to qualify for program benefits at up to 150% of the federal poverty guideline. "When moving this rule into statute, catching that disparity, this got lowered down to 133% to match what other Idahoans get," Senator Keiser said.

Keiser cited program figures during his presentation: Idaho takes in approximately 1,000 refugees per year; "currently, only 19 are actually eligible for this extra benefit program," he said. Keiser told the committee total medical costs covered through the refugee medical assistance program in 2024 were about $223,000 while the total cost…