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House Health and Welfare committee introduces measure to repeal Medicaid expansion
Summary
Representative John Bandarata introduced RS31896, a proposed repeal of Medicaid expansion. Committee members questioned the fiscal note and potential downstream costs; the committee voted to print the request for statute (RS) for further consideration, with two members recorded in opposition.
Representative John Bandarata, a member of the Idaho House from District 22, asked the House Health and Welfare Committee on the morning of the meeting to introduce RS31896, a request to repeal the state's Medicaid expansion.
"I bring before you RS 31,896, which is a repeal of Medicaid expansion," Representative John Bandarata said, asking that the RS be printed so the committee can take a fuller look at the proposal.
The committee's discussion focused largely on the fiscal note attached to the RS. Representative Bridal questioned whether the fiscal note accounted for related state funds and tax revenue losses, asking whether the state would restore a previously used “cap fund” and what the effect on tax revenue would be if federal dollars currently flowing into the state were removed.
Representative Bridal said the fiscal estimate showing about $110,000,000 in state savings appeared incomplete, noting possible loss of tax revenue and other system-wide effects such as impacts on rural hospitals and behavioral health services. "Everything that I've seen indicates that it would actually cost the state more to get rid of Medicaid expansion than it would save," Bridal said.
Representative Adewa responded that this RS does not include restoration of the cap fund: "No, there is not in this bill, there is not a restoration of the cap fund." Adewa added that if the measure proceeds further, options for addressing related costs could be considered.
Representative Vanderwaeta, who introduced the RS on the committee floor, said rising state costs were part of the rationale for bringing the RS forward and expressed concern over potential future federal changes to reimbursement ratios that the state would have to absorb. "My biggest fear is that the federal government is looking at their deficit and may come back and say ninety-ten doesn't work for us anymore... And that would cost us another $200,000,000 in this program," Vanderwaeta said.
Representative McCann said she would vote to introduce the RS to allow a full hearing and better analysis but expressed skepticism about a full repeal without more precise economic estimates and a clearer understanding of county and hospital impacts.
The committee voted to introduce RS31896 for further consideration. The motion to introduce was made by Representative Redmond; the chair called for the ayes and nays and recorded that two members opposed the introduction. The motion carried and the RS will proceed to a printed bill hearing.
The RS as presented does not specify how the state would replace any lost federal funding or taxes if repeal were enacted; committee members asked staff and sponsors for more detailed fiscal analysis and economic modeling ahead of a full hearing.
