Governor Discusses Health Issues in the State of the State

On January 12, 2015 Governor Otter began the legislative session with his State of the State and Budget address.

At the beginning of his speech, the Governor explained that in some cases, on some issues, Idaho has put off making tough decisions for too long.  One of these issues, he explained, was the chance to repeal or more likely incrementally change Obamacare whereas it would have a real impact in Idaho. For the first time during his appointment as Governor, Otter urged legislators to listen to findings in regard to Medicaid expansion.

Governor Otter stated that he agrees with his Medicaid Redesign Workgroup's findings up to a point; especially the strong focus on personal accountability, requirement of co-payments, and managed care. He commended the Workgroup on its research and "homework" and said that they deserve the opportunity to be heard. Governor Otter recommends that legislators hold hearings this session to listen to the group's findings, ask questions, and educate themselves on all the work the group has done.

More information about the Governor's Workgroup can be found at: http://gov.idaho.gov/priorities/MedicaidExpansion.html

The Idaho Statesmen reported that in a press briefing after his speech, Governor Otter would not say what action he expected the Legislature to take or if he would sign an approved bill (Dentzer, 2015).

Dentzer (2015) also reported House Speaker Scott Bedke agreeing, "I think we can certainly honor his request to hear his task force on the medical redesign." Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill explained that legislatures wouldn't likely approve a traditional Medicaid expansion but there may be some other things that will be agreeable to the Legislature (Dentzer, 2015).

Dr. Ted Epperly chairman of the Idaho Health Care Coalition and a member of the Governor's Workgroup told the Statesman that the Governor's support was "huge" and hopes the Legislature will keep an open mind (Dentzer, 2015).

Idaho is now successfully running its own insurance exchange. Governor Otter stated that Idaho's exchange is cheaper, more efficient, has less staff, and has better service than the national system. The Governor credited the success to the fact that Your Health Idaho is locally run and utilizes insurance agents and brokers working in the free market. He also noted that the marketplace is the key to how Idaho is advancing our goal of making health care more affordable and accessible for all Idahoans.

Governor Otter thanked those in the state in both the public and private sectors who have been working diligently to put Idaho at the forefront of the changing health care landscape.  He acknowledged that by building public-private partnerships, Director of Health and Welfare Dick Armstrong and those who are working on the State Health Care Innovation Plan are altering the way Idahoans pay for and deliver health care services, including Medicaid.

Less than a month ago Idaho's first behavioral health crisis center of its kind was established in Idaho Falls. The center will be a place where people with mental health or substance abuse problems can get short-term help without going to a hospital emergency room or a jail cell. Local facilities such as these will reduce law enforcement and hospital related costs. The Governor encourages broader improvements to Idaho's community-based services. Local facilities provide more sustainable support and better access for citizens. He is requesting more funds for an additional behavioral health crisis center this year. 

On Wednesday, after years of refusing to listen to proposals regarding the discrimination on the bases of gender identity and sexual orientation, the 'Add the Words" bill was introduced on a 6-1 vote by the House Ways & Means Committee. The bill aims to add the words "gender identity" and sexual orientation" to the Idaho Human Rights Act therefore banning discrimination on those bases in employment, public accommodations, and housing.

A hearing is expected to occur during the week of January 26th in the House State Affairs Committee.

The House Health & Welfare Committee met to hear presentations from the Department of Health & Welfare on Friday. Bruce Cheeseman, program manager, presented on Emergency Medical Services Definitions and Licensing Requirements. Idaho Reportable Diseases was presented by Bureau Chief Dr. Kathryn Turner. Bureau Chief and State Register James Aydelotte presented on the topics of Vital Statistics Rules and Department Records Use and Disclosure.

The House Health & Welfare Committee agenda and subject text can be found at:

 http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2015/standingcommittees/hhel.pdf

Dentzer, B. (2015, January 13). Otter urges Idaho Legislature to examine Medicaid options. Idaho Statesmen. Retrieved from http://www.idahostatesman.com/2015/01/13/3588303_otter-urges-legislature-to-examine.html?rh=1