The Idaho Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit from a conservative group challenging the constitutionality of a voter-approved initiative to expand Medicaid.
The Idaho Freedom Foundation told justices that the initiative that passed in November with more than 60 percent of the vote is unconstitutional because it delegates authority to the federal government and the state Department of Health and Welfare.
The Idaho attorney general’s office in defending the statute told justices that the lawsuit does not delegate authority to the federal government and any work done by Health and Welfare is consistent with established law.
Voters authorized Medicaid expansion after years of inaction by the Idaho Legislature. The measure directs the state to expand Medicaid eligibility rules to include anyone earning less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level. That will provide access to preventative health care services for about 62,000 low-income Idaho residents. The federal government will pay for 90 percent of the estimated $400 million cost.
Gov. Brad Little has included the state’s share of the cost in his budget, which lawmakers are considering. Deadlines are approaching for both the budgeting process and federal requirements for the Medicaid expansion.
The five-member panel of judges must also consider whether the case is urgent enough for the state’s highest court to issue a ruling.
The court didn’t indicate when it will rule. (AP)
