House panel wants Idaho Medicaid bill amended

A House committee wants a compromise Medicaid expansion bill with mandatory work requirements amended in the full House.

The Health and Welfare Committee voted Wednesday to send to the House for amending the bill that has already passed the Senate.

The legislation is an attempt to reach a compromise that can clear both chambers and get Republican Gov. Brad Little’s signature.

The legislation doesn’t kick anyone off Medicaid if they don’t fulfill the work requirements. Instead, it would require a copay when seeking medical services.

A House bill that did kick able-bodied people off Medicaid if they didn’t work was killed by a Senate committee last month.

Voters authorized Medicaid expansion in an initiative in November with 61% of the vote after years of inaction by the Legislature.