Bill Description: House Bill 214 would clarify that Idaho Department of Health and Welfare cannot adopt a Medicaid state plan amendment or a waiver without legislative approval.

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Does it in any way restrict public access to information related to government activity or otherwise compromise government transparency, accountability, or election integrity? Conversely, does it increase public access to information related to government activity or increase government transparency, accountability, or election integrity?

House Bill 214 would create Section 56-269, Idaho Code, to say, "Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the state department of health and welfare shall not seek or implement a medicaid state plan amendment or a waiver pursuant to section 1115 or 1915 of the social security act without first obtaining approval from the legislature. Such approval must be provided in statute."

An exception is included for plan amendments or waivers "already implemented as of the effective date of this section."

Medicaid state plan amendments and waivers are significant and often costly policy decisions that should be made only by elected lawmakers, not implemented by unelected bureaucrats. 

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