The proposed bill establishes new legislative approval requirements for Medicaid state plan amendments and waivers in Idaho, repealing Section 56-270 and introducing a new Chapter 22 in Title 56. This chapter mandates that the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare must obtain legislative approval before pursuing any Medicaid amendments or waivers that expand coverage or increase state costs. Specific amendments requiring this approval include those related to rural emergency hospital designations, Medicaid cost-sharing, and comprehensive Medicaid managed care. Additionally, the bill repeals Section 56-253 and amends various sections of the Idaho Code to remove outdated language and clarify Medicaid managed care and provider payment provisions.

The bill also proposes significant changes to Medicaid eligibility, expanding it to individuals under 65 with a modified adjusted gross income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level. The Department of Health and Welfare is required to submit necessary amendments to the federal government within 90 days of the bill's approval and implement changes promptly. Furthermore, it introduces a quality payment program for hospitals, establishes a Hospital Assessment Fund for specific purposes, and outlines an assessment process for private hospitals. The bill includes provisions for actions if federal financial participation is reduced and sets a deadline for existing Medicaid rules to be voided by July 1, 2025. An emergency clause allows the act to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 56-253, 56-263, 56-265, 56-267, 56-1403, 56-1404