Idaho officials taking strides toward cheaper health coverage

Jan. 06--BOISE -- Hoping to capitalize on recent changes in the Affordable Care Act, Idaho officials are working with insurance carriers to provide more flexible health insurance options for Idaho citizens, while dramatically reducing the cost of the policies.

Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter made the announcement at the annual Associated Press legislative preview meeting Friday.

"We've had some great discussions with insurance companies in Idaho," he said. "If they weren't limited by the mandates, by the (benefits) they have to offer in a policy, these companies could drastically reduce the cost of policies, maybe as much as 30 to 50 percent."

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 Congress and the Trump administration, Idaho officials believe there's now an opportunity to work with carriers to develop new, more flexible health plans. With fewer restrictions and mandates, they think premiums will drop substantially.

"We have an opportunity today to make a difference in the lives of Idahoans," said Lt. Gov. Brad Little "This is a bold start for further prosperity in Idaho."

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 Idaho Congressman Raul Labrador and Boise developer Tommy Ahlquist in the May 15 GOP primary.

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.

Idaho Department of Insurance Commissioner Dean Cameron said the details are still being worked out as far as which requirements and mandates insurers will be able to avoid and which they'll still have to honor.

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 Idaho family, but "make no mistake, they will benefit every Idahoan."

"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 bspence@lmtribune.com or (208) 791-9168.

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