Idaho officials taking strides toward cheaper health coverage
"We've had some great discussions with insurance companies in
The Affordable Care Act imposed a number of restrictions on insurers -- for example, prohibiting them from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions. It also mandated that all health plans cover a list of "essential benefits" that include such things as maternity care and mental health services.
Given recent changes by
"We have an opportunity today to make a difference in the lives of Idahoans," said Lt. Gov.
By inviting Little, his chosen successor, to introduce the initiative, Otter injected a bit of a campaign feel to Friday's press conference.
After three terms in office, Otter isn't running for re-election. Little is hoping to replace him; he'll face
When asked, Otter rejected the notion that Little's involvement was an inappropriate mix of campaigning and governance.
"The lieutenant governor has been an important part of putting this all together," he said. "If you go back over the last nine years, you'll find that -- whether it was the transportation study, cybersecurity, all those things -- I've utilized his talents, his abilities and his leadership in some of the most critical aspects of running state government. If he wasn't running for governor, he'd still (be involved in the initiative.)"
Otter said he and Little plan to tour the state in the coming weeks to tell people about the initiative and answer their questions.
However, he also noted that ACA-compliant health plans will still be available through the state insurance exchange. This initiative is aimed more at Idahoans in the Medicaid gap -- those who earn too much to be eligible for Medicaid and too little to qualify for subsidized insurance through the exchange.
"We estimate there are about 100,000 to 125,00 who are without coverage," Cameron said. "This approach tries to address those folks."
The new health plans could be available as early as March, he said. They may not be a perfect fit for every
"The problem with our health insurance rates today is that the pool (the group of people who are covered by the policies) is shrinking as our young and healthy leave the pool," Cameron said. "So this is an effort to attract the young and healthy back into the pool, to help hold rates down for everybody."
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Spence may be contacted at [email protected] or (208) 791-9168.
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