Passage of legislation could spell disaster for Idaho's health care system

Mar 11 2010

Hundreds of thousands of Idahoans struggling with the high cost of health care received bad news last night -- no relief and more problems are on the way.  With the passage of the Idaho Health Freedom Act (House Bill 391), the Senate moved forward legislation that could spell disaster for Idaho's health care system, while addressing none of the health care issues plaguing families across the state.  

The legislation takes aim at a components of a non-existent federal health care law, a move that could cost the state over a billion dollars in federal matching funds, and cost Idaho thousands of jobs.  Passing by a vote of 24-10, the bill now heads to Governor Otter, where it is expected to be signed into law.  

AARP strongly opposed the bill and made last night's vote an "accountability vote" -- meaning the Association will inform all of its 180,000 Idaho members how their Senator voted on the issue and what the short- and long-term implications of the bill will be if signed into law.  

"This legislation brings home to Idaho the kind of fighting and rhetoric over health care reform at the national level that has disgusted so many voters, while making our state's health crisis worse than ever," said Jim Wordelman. "Soaring premiums, rising prescription drug costs and access to affordable health care -- these are the real problems Idahoans need answers to."  

The legislation is a roadblock at a time when solutions are needed.  Nearly 90% of the state's over 222,000 uninsured have jobs, but can't afford health care; 27% of Idaho Medicare beneficiaries fell into the Part D prescription drug "doughnut hole" – forcing some to skip needed medications; roughly 100,000 Idahoans spend upwards of 25% of their income on health care costs; and insurance premiums are expected to double in the next few years.  

SOURCE AARP Idaho