Idaho’s Medicaid program, which serves more than 150,000 children, must come up with more than $47.2 million in savings to meet its reduced fiscal year 2011 budget.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted 16-2 Thursday for a total $1.55 billion budget, including a $298 million state share – or about 3.5 percent less than a year ago.
To find the savings, Idaho plans to change how hospitals are reimbursed for providing services to low-income clients. Legislators believe the move could save $25 million in the year starting in July.
To make up the remaining $22 million, lawmakers want the Department of Health and Welfare to review how much they’re paying providers of mental health, substance abuse and other medical services to the poor.
Governor Butch Otter could issue an executive order to modify state laws that need to be changed to accommodate the savings. (AP)
