The bill amends Section 56-265 of the Idaho Code to establish that agreements between the Department of Health and Welfare and Medicaid providers will align with the fiscal year, specifically from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. It introduces new language stating that any such agreement shall have a one-year duration and allows agreements made prior to July 1, 2025, to continue under their original terms until they expire or are renewed, provided they comply with the new provisions. Additionally, the bill authorizes the department to pursue waiver agreements with the federal government to support value-based payment arrangements.

The bill also outlines various reimbursement rates for Medicaid providers, including specific rates for critical access hospitals, out-of-state hospitals, and state-owned hospitals. It mandates the department to work with Idaho hospitals to establish value-based payment methods and a quality payment program for inpatient and outpatient services, with the goal of replacing existing cost-based reimbursement methods. The act declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 56-265