Idaho Gov. Butch Otter has issued this statement on the Trump Administration’s letter yesterday notifying Idaho that its proposed “state-based” health insurance plans violate federal law and threatening enforcement action:

“Contrary to news media interpretations, the letter from CMS Administrator Verma was not a rejection of our approach to providing more affordable health insurance options for the people of Idaho. Her letter made it clear that Idaho’s efforts to pursue innovative alternatives hold great promise, and we believe that Idaho’s plan aligns with the State’s responsibility for ‘substantially enforcing’ Obamacare. In fact, we consider the letter an invitation from CMS to continue discussing the specifics of what can and cannot be included in state-based plans.  We will consider all possible options and then continue discussions with CMS and HHS on how best to achieve our shared goals of reducing the costs of coverage and stabilizing our health insurance market.”

Lt. Gov. Brad Little issued this statement:

“We want an Idaho solution for health insurance and we are going to do everything we can to achieve it. I believe Idaho is following the intent of the law by offering quality health insurance. We want to offer more choices and affordability to all Idahoans. As highlighted by federal health regulators, Idahoans have seen over a 90-percent increase in their insurance premiums, forcing nearly 100,000 Idahoans to go without health insurance. This is unacceptable. We are grateful that the Trump Administration is working with states to roll back Obamacare’s regulations and we look forward to an ongoing discussion that will result in implementing our state-centered solutions for healthcare.”

Meanwhile, the campaign manager for Tommy Ahlquist, the Boise businessman and physician who’s facing off with Little and 1st District Rep. Raul Labrador in the GOP primary for governor in May, issued this statement:

“So much for the lieutenant governor's fundraising claim of ‘ending Obamacare.’  This latest news from President Trump's HHS secretary highlights what we have known all along; the Otter-Little executive order was nothing more than a campaign stunt and not a real plan to fix healthcare in Idaho.  It’s time for professional politicians to step aside and let a doctor provide conservative solutions that truly lower healthcare costs for all Idahoans.  Tommy will use his experience as an ER doctor to work closely with the Trump administration to get rid of Obamacare once and for all.”—David Johnston, campaign manager

Charlene Maher, CEO of Blue Cross of Idaho, issued this statement:

“As Idaho’s leading health insurer, Blue Cross of Idaho stands ready to provide greater choice and lower cost health insurance to the 110,000 uninsured middle-class families in Idaho. Yesterday’s decision from CMS is disappointing, but leaves an opening for Governor Butch Otter and Idaho Department of Insurance Director Dean Cameron to craft a solution to provide access to individual health insurance. We are very concerned that every delay will negatively impact choice and affordability throughout the state.”