Sen. Dan Schmidt, D-Moscow, and Rep. John Rusche, D-Lewiston, both physicians, are calling for the Idaho Legislature to consider Medicaid redesign – accepting millions in federal funds to provide health coverage to uninsured Idahoans, through a redesign of Idaho’s Medicaid program.

“The sands of this legislative session are running out. But as we wait, the Majority is engaged in an effort to pay for too many bills with too little money,” the two said in a statement. “One major promise that we all made at the beginning of the session was to bring education investment up. And while we are making progress, we still are behind the 2009 level and teachers are still leaving the state. If Idaho redesigns our Medicaid program, it will mean that we can have real dollars added to Idaho’s general fund.”

“If we don’t participate, that money, which Idahoans have paid in federal taxes, will fund the health care of people in other states,” the two said. “If we do expand coverage, that money will be a direct savings to Idaho counties to the tune of about $30 million each year.” They also estimated the move would save 450 lives a year in Idaho. You can read their full statement here.