Idaho Faces $60m Medicaid Shortfall

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is requesting an additional $60 million this fiscal year to cover rising costs in the Medicaid program, even after reducing provider payment rates, reports the Idaho Capital Sun. The state is also facing a broader budget shortfall and has ordered general-state-agency cuts, adding pressure to Medicaid funding. If the supplemental request isn’t approved, providers may face delayed payments and some may choose to stop contracting with Medicaid, which could reduce access and affordability of care for Medicaid beneficiaries.