This bill amends Idaho's Medicaid laws by introducing a new chapter that requires legislative approval for specific Medicaid state plan amendments and waivers. It repeals Section 56-270, which previously governed legislative approval, and establishes new requirements for various amendments, including those related to rural emergency hospital designations, Medicaid cost-sharing, and comprehensive Medicaid managed care. Additionally, it repeals Section 56-253 and amends Sections 56-263 and 56-265 to clarify the Department of Health and Welfare's responsibilities regarding Medicaid managed care and provider payments. The bill emphasizes that any Medicaid state plan amendment or waiver that expands coverage or increases costs to the state must receive legislative approval.

Furthermore, the bill expands Medicaid eligibility for individuals under sixty-five with a modified adjusted gross income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level and mandates the state to submit necessary amendments to the federal government within ninety days of the act's approval. It includes provisions to ensure that eligibility for Medicaid is not delayed due to federal waiver approvals and prohibits any waivers that would reduce federal financial participation below 90%. The bill also allows the Department to take actions to offset any increase in state funding due to reductions in federal financial participation and nullifies certain existing rules related to Medicaid benefits and cost-sharing, effective July 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026, respectively. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 56-253, 56-263, 56-265, 56-267