The proposed bill aims to enhance legislative oversight of Medicaid state plan amendments and waivers in Idaho by establishing new approval requirements. It repeals Section 56-270, which previously governed legislative approval for such amendments, and introduces a new Chapter 22 in Title 56. This chapter mandates that the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare must obtain legislative approval before implementing any Medicaid state plan amendment or waiver that expands coverage or increases costs. Specific amendments requiring this approval include those related to rural emergency hospital designations, Medicaid cost-sharing, and comprehensive Medicaid managed care, among others. Additionally, the bill repeals Section 56-253 and amends various sections of the Idaho Code to remove outdated language and update provisions regarding Medicaid managed care and provider payments.

Furthermore, the bill expands Medicaid eligibility to include individuals under 65 years of age 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 federal authorities within 90 days of the bill's approval and is authorized to implement these changes promptly. It also introduces a quality payment program for hospitals, creates a Hospital Assessment Fund for specific purposes, and establishes a new assessment structure for private hospitals. Notably, the bill removes previous legislative appropriation requirements for certain payments, streamlining funding processes, and nullifies specific Medicaid-related rules effective July 1, 2025, while declaring an emergency for immediate implementation.

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