The League of Women Voters of Idaho supports a basic level of quality health care at an affordable cost available to all residents. The League opposes H345, a bill to mandate unnecessary work reporting requirements. Dropping enrollees will have nothing to do with their qualification or need and everything to do with the Legislature weaponizing bureaucracy to overburden the working poor. Responsibility for providing healthcare will return to hospitals and clinics with bankruptcy a true possibility. No backup funds exist to underwrite their losses. Bottom line: There is no guarantee this proposal would save the state and Idaho’s health care community anything.

A Hearing on H345 will be held TOMORROW, March 10, 2025 in Senate Health and Welfare, at 2 pm PT, 3 pm MT. You are welcome to use the content of this Fact Sheet to write and submit written testimony to Senate Health and Welfare. Even one sentence indicating your opposition will be enough!

This proposal to impose work requirements for Medicaid eligibility and shift to a Medicaid managed care program is concerning for many Idahoans. These changes could create barriers to healthcare access for vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, disabled, and those facing economic hardship.

Work requirements often ignore the complexities of people's lives, particularly those in rural areas or with health conditions that limit their ability to work. Additionally, moving to a managed care system may limit access to necessary care and increase costs for patients.

It’s critical to protect Medicaid as a safety net that ensures all Idahoans, regardless of employment status, have access to the healthcare they need. Let’s stand against these proposed changes and work to maintain a Medicaid program that serves the needs of our most vulnerable populations.