Tag Archives: Fred Wood
House approves ‘structurally balanced’ Medicaid budget with $103 million increase
On Wednesday, House members voted 52-14 to approve what one lawmaker called a “structurally balanced” Medicaid budget. The 2013 Medicaid spending plan will add $103 million in total funds over last year, with $38 million of that coming from the … Continue reading
House voices support for private health insurance exchange
The state isn’t going to put forth the funds to build a health insurance exchange, but that doesn’t mean lawmakers don’t want one created. The Idaho House voiced its support of the idea by passing a nonbinding resolution to encourage … Continue reading
Idaho could see $1.9 billion Medicaid budget next year, a $103 million total increase (video)
Members of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) concluded their work for the year Friday by setting a $1.9 billion Medicaid budget. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program aiding low-income individuals or families in paying for the costs associated … Continue reading
Department of Insurance budget clears JFAC without exchange money
The 2013 Department of Insurance budget debate figures to be much tamer compared to the 2012 rendition of the agency’s spending plan. Members of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved the 2013 budget without money for a federal health insurance exchange, … Continue reading
Nonini asks for private health exchange, Cronin rails against free market in hearing
Rep. Bob Nonini, R-Post Falls, wouldn’t mind seeing the creation of a health insurance exchange, but he wants it done without state or federal dollars. Nonini introduced a resolution in the House Education Committee Wednesday asking Idaho’s insurance carriers to … Continue reading
Lawmaker wants to explore using contractors to build exchange, but departments pan idea
Legislators have yet to decide if they want to build a state-based health insurance exchange, but at least one lawmaker wants to explore the options of how best to accomplish that task. Rep. Fred Wood, R-Burley, a backer of exchange … Continue reading
State likely to hit $34 million in Medicaid cut goals outlined in last year’s session
In the 2011 legislative session, Rep. Janice McGeachin,R-IdahoFalls, successfully pushed a bill to cut $35 million out of the Medicaid budget. It appears, at least six months into the process, the state will hit its savings targets overall, though certain … Continue reading
Health exchange debate could divide interest groups and Republicans alike
There’s a health insurance exchange storm brewing in Boise as lawmakers, state officials, and lobbyists look to the 2012 legislative session. While next year’s strife might not be as hotly-contested as this year’s education reform bills, the coming battle over … Continue reading