GME Clears House

On March 4, the appropriations bill to expand GME in Idaho passed the House of Representatives with a 40-24-6 vote. HB 681 will now head to the full Senate. Your support last week was felt, and it made a meaningful impact - there was a significant reduction in debate and opposition on the House floor. Thank you!

HB 681 is a significant improvement when compared to January’s original proposal and now fully funds eight new residency positions at $60,000 for the FY 2025 budget.

Our work is not yet done, we still need your help! HB 681 is expected to be debated by the full Senate any day now. IMA is expecting another close vote. Regardless of whether you contacted your representative, please take a moment to contact your senator and ask them to support this critical legislation.

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

Support IMPAC by Contributing Today!

Through IMPAC, IMA’s political action committee, we have an opportunity to play a major role in the 2024 election cycle. IMPAC makes contributions to candidates from both parties in the Primary and General Elections who are willing to govern and have a track record of supporting Idaho physicians – our friends of medicine.

Contributing to IMPAC is easy. You can do so by clicking HERE or by texting the word “IMPAC” to 208-996-8776.

Time is of the essence and every dollar matters - please make your contribution today! The IMPAC Board will meet in early April to make contribution decisions for the May Primary.

Please reach out to Mike Cunnington@idmed.org or Susie@idmed.org with any questions or for technical assistance.

Thank you for your support!

Medicaid Budget Stabilization - HB 685

On February 29, Rep. John Vander Woude (R-Meridian) and Sen. Julie VanOrden (R-Blackfoot) introduced legislation to create a Medicaid stabilization fund. HB 685 would create a dedicated fund to transfer unused allocated Medicaid dollars into at the end of each fiscal year. The stabilization fund would be used solely for meeting general fund revenue shortfalls or covering unanticipated expenses for services administered by the division of Medicaid.

During difficult economic times, Medicaid enrollment and costs often increase as individuals find themselves in need of health coverage. Having a designated Medicaid rainy day fund helps ensure access to Medicaid can continue for Idahoans, without having to rely solely on dollars from Idaho’s general rainy-day funds.

HB 685 passed the full House on March 7 with a vote of 47-22-1 and is expected to receive a hearing in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee as soon as next week. IMA signed on to a letter of support with Idaho Supports Medicaid, a coalition partnership of nearly 40 healthcare providers and community organizations.

Transparency for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)

Last year, a legislative task force was created to explore the possibility of shifting Medicaid to a Managed Care Organization (MCO) model with the goal of trying to decrease Medicaid spending. Legislators were split on the impacts of such a change. However, they quickly recognized pharmaceuticals continue to be the largest increase to the Medicaid budget and an area for potential savings. It didn’t take long for them to narrow their focus on potential PBM reforms.

In 2020 and 2023, the Idaho Legislature attempted to regulate PBMs by passing legislation that was signed into law. However, the state continues to see bad actors with many PBMs finding ways to circumvent the law, often changing definitions, contract terminology, and their terms of service.

On March 7, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee passed SB 1389, sending it to the full Senate with a do pass recommendation. Introduced by Sen. Kevin Cook

(R-Idaho Falls), SB 1389 is the latest attempt to introduce PBM reform by focusing on accountability and transparency. SB 1389 also adds new definitions, requires drug rebates to be passed on to plans, and requires contracts with pharmacies to be transparent and fair. Most importantly, SB 1389 requires mandatory reporting to the Department of Insurance - the agency granted oversight authority.

Similar legislation, HB 596, was introduced by Rep. Jordan Redman (R-Coeur d’Alene) and passed the House Health and Welfare Committee on February 27. IMA has been a longtime supporter of PBM reform, and we will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure SB 1389 or HB 596 is signed into law.

Repeal of Needle Exchange Statute

The IMA Public Health Committee finalized a white paper answering questions and discussing potential impacts of HB 617. Introduced by Rep. John Vander Woude (R-Meridian), HB 617 would repeal 2019’s Syringe and Needle Exchange Act which allowed individuals the ability to exchange used needles for clean ones. Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) that provide exchanges were also required to provide information on bloodborne diseases, testing for these diseases, SUD treatment, and opioid antagonists like Narcan.

Please take a moment to view the Committee’s white paper, including data showing the effectiveness of SSPs, by clicking HERE.

On March 4, the full House passed HB 617 on a near party line vote, 53-13-4. The bill will be heard next in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. We will continue to keep you updated on its progress.

Throughout the Legislative Session, IMA monitors legislation and provides status updates every Friday. Click here to view the IMA Bill Tracker.

If you ever have any questions or need any advice, don't hesitate to touch base with us.

Mike Cunnington, Director of Government Affairs

(208) 344-7888

cunnington@idmed.org