Here’s how to weigh in on Idaho’s cuts to Medicaid’s doctor pay rates

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is accepting public comments on recent pay rate cuts for health care providers who treat Medicaid patients.

Last month, the state health agency announced it would cut Medicaid reimbursement rates for all provider types and services by 4%, starting Sept. 1. The news came a week after Idaho Gov. Brad Little ordered state agencies to cut budgets mid-year by 3% ahead of an $80 million projected budget shortfall.

The Medicaid cuts are meant to reduce rapidly rising Medicaid costs, and more could come, state officials said. But said the cuts — coupled with another Medicaid program set to end soon — could push some doctors’ offices to stop accepting Medicaid, Idaho Medical Association CEO Susie Keller previously told the Idaho Capital Sun.

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