Senate committee OKs bill involving Medicaid expansion

An Idaho Senate committee has approved legislation involving Medicaid expansion that includes voluntary work and received significant positive comments from the public.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Thursday voted 5-4 to send to the Senate the legislation with a “do pass” recommendation.

Republican Sen. Fred Martin put forward the legislation he calls a compromise bill.

The bill received support from Reclaim Idaho, the group behind the voter-approved initiative that passed in November expanding Medicaid.

The first section of the bill directs the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to look into the possibility of the federal government rather than the state paying for care of some people with mental health issues.

The second section seeks to make sure all individuals eligible for Medicaid have access to work or job training.