1. United States
2. Idaho
3. Letter

I am writing as your constituent to urge you to vote NO on House Bill 850, which would repeal Idaho’s Medicaid expansion effective January 1, 2028. This bill would strip healthcare coverage from approximately 90,000 Idahoans — the vast majority of whom are working people. Nearly half of those currently enrolled were employed as of 2025. These are not people gaming the system. These are Idaho’s working poor: hardworking neighbors, parents, and community members who simply cannot afford private insurance. Repealing this bill would also directly override the will of Idaho voters. In 2018, nearly 61% of Idahoans voted to approve Medicaid expansion through a ballot initiative. Repealing it through the Legislature — without returning the question to voters — is a disregard for democracy that I find deeply troubling. Proponents claim this repeal would save money, but the numbers tell a different story. Idaho Voices for Children estimates that repeal would actually cost the state $143 million, as expenses shift back to other General Fund programs. Crucially, when expansion passed, Idaho eliminated its county indigent health program and the Catastrophic Health Care Fund. Those safety nets are gone. Repealing expansion now leaves tens of thousands of Idahoans with nowhere to turn. Idaho is already facing a healthcare workforce crisis. Hospitals and clinics across the state are struggling. Removing coverage for 90,000 people will increase uncompensated care costs, further strain our rural health systems, and accelerate provider departures from our communities. Idahoans voted for this program. They depend on it. Please respect their voices and vote NO on HB 850.