Tag Archives: John Rusche
Otter OKs state-based insurance exchange; battle shifts to the Legislature
Implementing a state-based insurance exchange is subject to legislative approval. Gov. Butch Otter announced Tuesday that he supports the creation of a state-based health insurance exchange as a means of bringing Idaho in compliance with federal Obamacare health insurance mandates. … Continue reading
Senate committee kills House-passed tanning bill
House Bill 486, which would make tanning under the age of 16 a crime, failed to pass through the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Thursday on a 5-3 vote. The bill, which was approved in the House just two … Continue reading
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 votes to ban tanning for some minors, sends bill to the Senate
After weeks of debate on the issue, the Idaho House of Representatives voted Tuesday 39-30 to ban tanning for some minors, sending the legislation on to the Senate for consideration. The bill, sponsored by House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston, … Continue reading
Business panel thwarts department’s second try at insurance regulation compliance
On Monday, the House Business Committee thwarted a second attempt by the Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) to comply with regulatory provisions within the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act (PPACA). On a 9-8 vote, the panel killed … Continue reading
House paves way for health savings accounts for state workers
State workers could soon be able to use health savings accounts, paired with high deductible insurance policies, to cover their medical expenses. The Idaho House voted 54-13 to allow the Department of Administration to offer the combo plans to employees. … Continue reading
With state program out of the question, House panel pushes for private exchange
Legislative leaders announced Tuesday at a lunch with reporters that lawmakers would not seek to establish a state-based health exchange to comply with federal regulations, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the issue is quite dead for the year. On a … Continue reading
Legislation would reverse some of 2011’s Medicaid cuts
Last year, citing slumping revenues due to a down economy and expressing a desire to make Idaho’s budget more sustainable, lawmakers passed a $35 million cut to the Medicaid program. With an improved economic forecast and some feedback on cuts … Continue reading
House advances youth tanning ban bill, but changes are needed
After allegations were lobbed by the Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) about the motivation for a bill effectively banning youth tanning in the Gem State, the House Health and Welfare Committee decided to take a second look at the measure Tuesday. … Continue reading