Lawmakers ignore chance to help others

A handful of Idaho lawmakers threw away another chance to help women and families: Medicaid coverage for postpartum care.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 includes the option to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months. This option is permanent. Once Idaho takes up the option, we will receive federal matching funds annually.

In the postpartum period, during the time new parents are out of the hospital and often beyond the traditional six- or eight-week post-pregnancy visits, cardiomyopathy (weakened heart muscle) and mental health conditions are leading causes of death.

The cost of coverage to the state’s general fund would have been about $6.2 million per year, with a federal match of $28.7 million. The budget surplus for 2023 is above $416 million.

Despite overwhelming voter support for the Medicaid expansion initiative here in 2018, the Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee refused to hear Bill 201 to expand Medicaid postpartum coverage, complaining that it was a budget issue. "I think it’s a good idea; I just don’t think it’s quite ready yet; maybe next year …" the committee chairman said.

The last time the Legislature dilly-dallied over Medicaid funding, voters passed the law ourselves using an initiative.

NANCY GERTH

Sagle