Even after months of hearings, overwhelmingly positive public comments and stacks of statistics showing Idaho would save millions, some state lawmakers remain reluctant to accept federal Medicaid expansion funds to close the state’s health coverage gap.

“I am not for Medicaid expansion,” said Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, as an interim legislative committee wrapped up an all-day hearing at the state Capitol on Monday. “I think we’ve heard of some other options. … I think we can come up with a really good solution that fits Idaho.”

Sen. Steven Thayn, R-Emmett, said he favored state funding for primary care for some of the 78,000 Idahoans who fall into the coverage gap and have chronic health conditions. “The reduction of overall medical costs, I don’t think it can be done within the structure of federal rules – that’s my big concern,” he said/Betsy Russell, SR. More here.