Idaho Medicaid expansion work requirements face scrutiny from advocates and lawmakers

Idaho's House Health & Welfare Committee convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss significant changes to Medicaid expansion, particularly focusing on proposed work requirements that could impact thousands of residents. The meeting highlighted concerns from various stakeholders about the potential consequences of these requirements on access to healthcare for low-income individuals.

Hillary Hagen from Idaho Voices for Children presented critical insights regarding House Bill 345, which seeks to implement work requirements for Medicaid recipients. Hagen emphasized that similar measures in other states, such as Arkansas and Georgia, resulted in substantial administrative costs and coverage losses. In Arkansas, for instance, one in four individuals subject to work requirements lost their coverage, despite many meeting the criteria. Hagen warned that Idaho could face similar outcomes, with thousands potentially losing access to essential healthcare services.

The committee members engaged in a robust discussion about the implications of these work requirements. Representative Kaler raised concerns about the fairness of requiring accountability from Medicaid recipients, given that taxpayers fund the program. In response, Hagen reiterated that many individuals on Medicaid expansion are already working but may not meet the rigid criteria set forth in the proposed bill. She pointed out that the added bureaucratic hurdles could lead to more people falling off the program, ultimately increasing costs for the state as individuals delay care and seek emergency services.

The conversation also touched on the administrative burden of monthly reporting requirements, which could complicate access for those already struggling to navigate the system. Hagen noted that while the intent of the bill is to ensure accountability, the reality is that such requirements could disproportionately affect the very population Medicaid expansion aims to support—the working poor.

As the committee continues to deliberate on this bill, the potential ramifications for Idaho's low-income residents remain a pressing concern. The discussions underscore the need for careful consideration of how policy changes can impact access to healthcare and the overall well-being of the community. The committee is expected to reconvene to further evaluate the proposed changes and their implications for Idahoans reliant on Medicaid expansion.