Gender Affirming Care for Minors Clears the House

On February 14, the Idaho House of Representatives debated HB 71 - Rep. Bruce Skaug’s (R-Nampa) legislation that would make it a felony for parents and physicians to provide gender affirming care (GAC) for transgender youth. If signed into law, it would make it a felony to provide surgery, hormone therapy, and puberty blockers to minors with a punishment of up to 10 years in prison.

Like January’s hearing, legislators provided heartfelt testimony in opposition to HB 71, sharing firsthand examples of those impacted by the legislation. There were even representatives that voted for HB 71 but did so frustratedly – unhappy with the scope and process of the bill.  

However, testimony was dominated by debate regarding parental rights and government intrusion. A number of those opposed to the bill highlighted votes made in prior years that directly conflicted with supporters’ stances on parental rights.

In the end, HB 71 was passed 58-12 - nearly tracking along party lines with the lone exception of Rep. Matt Bundy (R-Mountain Home). Please take a moment to thank the Democrat representatives who spoke compassionately against HB 71, as well as Rep. Bundy for his vote.

HB 71 - What’s Next?

HB 71 will now make its way to the Senate where it has been referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee. A hearing has not been scheduled but one should be expected by the end of February.

In the meantime, we need your help! The IMA Lobby Team will be working to combat misinformation about GAC. However, as physicians, many of you are on the frontlines and have firsthand stories that our state legislators rely on. If you are interested in contacting your senator, please use the link below to send an email:

https://www.votervoice.net/IDMA/Campaigns/101222/Respond

By sending a message to your senator, you are helping to correct misinformation and providing your expertise about GAC. It's critically important for the Idaho medical community to set the record straight -- and just as important to do so civilly. Thank you for your efforts!

HB 122 - Twelve Month Postpartum Health Coverage for Women

Last Friday, Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett) introduced HB 122, attempting to expand the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and postpartum health coverage. Idaho is one of just a few states that does not provide postpartum Medicaid coverage past 60 days. If signed into law, that coverage would be expanded to one year. 

HB 122 expands coverage of those that qualify for CHIP by increasing Idaho’s federal poverty level from 138% to 205% and closer to the national average.

HB 122 is awaiting a hearing in the House Health and Welfare Committee. You can track its progress by following the IMA Bill Tracker.

National Advocacy Conference and Capitol Hill Fly-In

For the first time since 2019, IMA Leadership and a portion of the Lobby Team made the trip to Washington, DC to participate in the AMA’s National Advocacy Conference. IMA CEO Susie Keller joined IMA President Dr. Zach Warnock, AMA Delegate Dr. Patrice Burgess, and Alternate Delegate Dr. Keith Davis in meetings with Idaho’s Congressional Delegation. 

The group advocated for an array of issues including legislation to address current physician shortages with emphasis on GME; prioritizing Medicare physician payment reforms; and supporting legislation that cuts down on burdensome prior authorization processes. If you are interested in taking a more in depth look at the policy areas of greatest concern on the federal side, CLICK HERE.

Idaho is extremely fortunate to have such an open and accessible Congressional Delegation. The IMA thanks Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, and the staff of Congressmen Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher for taking time out of their chaotic schedules to meet with the team.