The Idaho House on Thursday amended Medicaid expansion legislation to remove recipients from Medicaid coverage if they fail to meet work requirements.
Lawmakers made the changes to the legislation, received from the Senate days earlier, as the two chambers attempt to reach a compromise that can win the approval of Republican Gov. Brad Little.
The amendment bill would remove able-bodied recipients for two months. But recipients could immediately get back coverage if they get a job or prove they meet the requirements through training or school.
A Senate committee last month killed legislation originating in the House that kicked people off Medicaid for failing to meet work requirements.
Voters authorized Medicaid expansion with an initiative in November with 61% of the vote after years of inaction by the Legislature.
The expansion will provide access to preventative health care services for an estimated 91,000 low-income residents. The federal government would cover 90% of the estimated $400 million cost.
The Senate previously passed an appropriations bill paying for Medicaid expansion as approved by voters with no work requirements. Little has included $20 million for the expansion in his budget.
But the House has refused to vote on the appropriations bill because a majority of members appear to want work and other requirements for Medicaid recipients. Other concerns include the state getting stuck paying more if the federal government reduces its 90% portion of the Medicaid cost.
That was the focus of another amendment approved Thursday that requires lawmakers to declare Medicaid expansion in Idaho null and void if the federal government portion drops below 90 percent.
The House next has to vote on the amended version of the bill. If it passes, it will head back to the Senate to see if that chamber agrees with the changes. (AP)
