Friday, February 2, 2024

Several bills and important updates affecting IMA priorities were discussed in the fourth week of the legislative session. Here's a summary of the relevant information.

The IMA Public Health Committee recently finalized a white paper answering questions and discussing potential impacts of HB 397. As reported in a previous IMA weekly update, this legislation would change IRIS from an opt-out system to an opt-in.

Please take a moment to view this important information by clicking the button below.

A hearing is scheduled in the House Health and Welfare Committee for Monday, February 5. To sign up to provide testimony, CLICK HERE.

On February 1, HB 419 received a hearing where the legislation was ultimately voted down and held in committee. For three hours, the House Health and Welfare Committee listened to testimony from nearly 40 Idahoans who were nearly unanimous in their opposition to the legislation. 

IMA submitted written testimony in opposition to HB 419, articulating that access to healthcare coverage equates to healthier and longer lives for Idahoans. Reducing coverage for this population will not have the intended result legislators are seeking – not only will their health be adversely impacted, but it will ultimately increase healthcare costs for everyone else. 

IMA would like to thank Rep. Chenele Dixon (R-Kimberly), Rep. Josh Wheeler (R-), Rep. Dori Healey (R-Boise), Rep. Marco Erickson (R-), Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett), Rep. Nate Roberts (D-Pocatello), Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-Boise), and Rep. Marjorie Wilson (D-Boise) for supporting Idaho physicians by opposing HB 419.

GME Presentations in the Joint Finance Appropriations Committee (JFAC)

On January 30, representatives from Idaho’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs made their annual budget presentations to JFAC. They presented the FY 2025 budget proposal by Gov. Little and outlined the positive impact on Idaho’s physician workforce. This budget request represents Year Seven of the Ten Year Plan to expand GME, which adds 14 new residency positions (six of which are fully federally funded). 

The lobby team would like to thank the following physicians who attended the JFAC hearing in support of expanding GME: Dr. Ted Epperly, Dr. Moe Hagman, Dr. Patricia Howell-DelTufo, Dr. Liz Gass, and Dr. Abby Davids. Your continued support and advocacy are greatly appreciated. 

IMA is advocating in support of full funding of the eight new positions at the $60K/resident level and an incremental increase in the base funding level for existing residency positions, totaling $859,500. However, the Governor’s budget proposal to JFAC was capped at 3%, which funds the eight new positions at $55K and no increase in funding for existing positions, totaling $447,000. IMA lobbyists will continue to seek support for full funding from JFAC members, in anticipation of their budget-setting process starting around February 9.

On February 1, SB 1234 received a hearing in the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee. As highlighted a few weeks ago, this legislation would require insurance providers in Idaho to cover six months of prescription contraception. Sen. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise) introduced the legislation and deferred her time to Dr. Abby Davids, who did a fantastic job articulating the health benefits of increasing access. Testimony following Dr. Davids was unanimously supported and included IMA members Dr. Loren Colson and Dr. Emily Corrigan. 

As expected, the only opposition to SB 1234 was regarding government overreach, with some senators expressing concern about the improper role of government. Fortunately, the limited opposition was not enough to derail the legislation, as SB 1234 was reported out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. IMA would like to thank Sen. Linda Hartgen (R-Twin Falls), Sen. Jim Guthrie (R-McCammon), Sen. Kevin Cook (R-Idaho Falls), Sen. James Ruchtie (D-Pocatello), and Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking (D-Boise) for their support. 

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