Bill Description: House Bill 913 would require the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) to implement Medicaid work and community engagement requirements no later than December 31, 2026 as defined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB).
Rating: +2
Does it create, expand, or enlarge any agency, board, program, function, or activity of government? Conversely, does it eliminate or curtail the size or scope of government?
By directing DHW to implement community engagement requirements, it is projected that the Medicaid expansion population may shrink. This could curtail the scope of the welfare state, but the minimum engagement requirements of the OBBB are extraordinarily limited.
(+1)
Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt?
By directing DHW to implement community engagement requirements, it is projected that the Medicaid expansion population may shrink. This may reduce expenditures, but the minimum engagement requirements of the OBBB are extraordinarily limited.
(+1)
Medicaid Expansion Work Requirements and Eligibility System Changes amount to additional spending of $3,829,100. While an increase in spending, these expenditures are not objectionable as the work to limit the program and safeguard and save Idaho taxpayer money. Savings are projected to exceed expected costs, although less than if stringent Medicaid work requirements were implemented.
(0)
Does it violate the principles of federalism by increasing federal authority, yielding to federal blandishments, or incorporating changeable federal laws into Idaho statutes or rules? Examples include citing federal code without noting as it is written on a certain date, using state resources to enforce federal law, and refusing to support and uphold the tenth amendment. Conversely, does it restore or uphold the principles of federalism?
This legislation refers to requirements established “pursuant to 42 U.S.C 1396a(xx).” However, the legislation says that these requirements must be established no later than December 31, 2026, implicitly protecting against future changes to these requirements. Further, the OBBB states must have their work requirements in place by January 1st, 2027. However, they could request a waiver to delay implementation until as late as 2029. Note this is after the current administration leaves office. This law bars Idaho DHW from asking for an extension waiver and requires them to implement the community engagement requirements on time.
(0)
