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Bill

H 850

MEDICAID – Amends and repeals existing law to remove provisions relating to Medicaid eligibility expansion.

68th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session (2026)

Idaho bill repeals Medicaid expansion, removing coverage for ~90,000 low-income adults and federal matching healthcare funds.

Introduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing
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Bill Summary · H 850

Legislative bill overview

H 850 would repeal Idaho's Medicaid expansion provisions, effectively removing the eligibility expansions that extended coverage to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. This reverses the state's 2019 decision to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The bill would return Idaho to a more restrictive Medicaid eligibility standard.

Why is this important

Medicaid expansion in Idaho currently covers approximately 90,000-100,000 adults who would lose healthcare coverage if this bill passes. The repeal would affect working-age adults with low incomes who rely on this coverage for preventive care, emergency services, and chronic disease management. Healthcare providers, particularly rural hospitals and community health centers that rely on Medicaid reimbursements, would also experience significant revenue impacts.

Potential points of contention

  • Coverage loss: Thousands of currently insured Idahoans would become uninsured, potentially shifting costs to emergency departments and uncompensated care
  • Provider economics: Hospitals and clinics would face reduced Medicaid revenues, potentially affecting rural healthcare access and facility viability
  • Federal funding: The state would forgo substantial federal matching funds (currently ~90% federally funded), reducing overall healthcare spending in Idaho's economy
  • Existing enrollee disruption: Abruptly removing coverage from those already enrolled creates administrative burden and health disruption

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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