Idaho lawmakers convene for initial review of health options for poor

Lawmakers exploring health care alternatives for poor Idahoans convened Tuesday at a hearing where off-topic detours underscored lingering ideological differences that have blocked consensus on a resolution.

“I think that this whole thing comes down to what’s becoming very accepted in our culture today, and that is not accepting responsibility for yourself,” said Sen. Patti Anne Lodge, R-Huston.

The issue is how to improve health care for 78,000 Idahoans who, despite their low incomes, earn too much to be eligible for Medicaid but not enough to qualify for subsidized health coverage available via the exchange that Idaho created under the 2010 Affordable Care Act.

The ACA included a provision to expand Medicaid to cover such gap populations. But the 2012 Supreme Court ruling that upheld the health law also made expansion optional for states. So far Idaho remains one of 19 states that have declined expansion.

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