TWIN FALLS -- A study estimates that expanding Medicaid coverage in Idaho for more low-income people under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul could mean up to an additional 111,500 Idahoans in the program in 2014.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare requested an analysis of newly eligible Medicaid individuals in April. The Times-News reports that Leavitt Partners consulting firm released the report earlier this week.
It will be used by a 15-member panel appointed by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter to scrutinize whether Idaho should expand Medicaid coverage.
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the insurance overhaul, but concluded states like Idaho couldn't be punished for not expanding Medicaid coverage. Consequently, Otter formed the Medicaid panel to look into the best course of action for Idaho.
