Idaho Medicaid cuts lead to third patient death

Providers warn more tragedies could follow the elimination of a critical mental health service

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A man in his 40s with severe mental illness has died in Boise, the third patient to pass away since Idaho cut a Medicaid-funded Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program. Providers say the cuts have led to a spike in demand at crisis centers and warn that more violent incidents could occur as patients lose access to essential treatment.

Why it matters

The ACT program was designed to help people with severe mental illness address their basic needs and prevent crises. Providers say the cuts are driving up other costs and putting public safety at risk, as people with untreated mental health issues become more likely to have violent encounters.

The details

The latest death was the third since Idaho's Medicaid contractor, Magellan Healthcare, cut the ACT program in late 2025. In the year and a half before the cuts, providers say only one patient on the program died. Laura Scuri, who co-owns a local clinic and leads the regional ACT team, believes the latest death was preventable, as the program was meant to help patients manage their conditions and meet their basic needs. Without the ACT services, some patients become delusional about their illness and stop taking care of themselves, leading to repeated hospitalizations.

  • In late 2025, Idaho's Medicaid contractor Magellan Healthcare cut the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program.
  • In the year and a half before the cuts, providers say only one patient on the ACT program died.
  • In the less than three months since the cuts, providers say three patients have died.

The players

Laura Scuri

Co-owner of Access Behavioral Health Services in Boise and leader of the regional Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team.

Ric Boyce

Owner of Chubbuck-based clinic Mental Health Specialists.

Magellan Healthcare

The contractor that runs Idaho Medicaid mental health benefits and cut the ACT program.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

The state agency that oversees Medicaid and was involved in reducing Magellan's pay rate, leading to the ACT program cuts.

Gov. Brad Little

The governor of Idaho who ordered state budget cuts that contributed to the Medicaid provider pay cuts and subsequent elimination of the ACT program.

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What they’re saying

“It's not gonna stop.”

— Laura Scuri, Co-owner of Access Behavioral Health Services (Idaho Capital Sun)

“I'm worried it's gonna be a child. Some innocent kid that was in the wrong place at the wrong time is going to cross paths with someone who's actively psychotic and get hurt.”

— Laura Scuri, Co-owner of Access Behavioral Health Services (Idaho Capital Sun)

“Hindsight's a great thing.”

— Gov. Brad Little (Idaho Capital Sun)

“We're taking the next step to ensure this program is properly funded.”

— Rep. Ben Fuhriman, Shelley Republican (Idaho Capital Sun)

What’s next

Rep. Ben Fuhriman plans to introduce a bill on Monday in the House Health and Welfare Committee to reinstate the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program, which he estimates would cost the state $4 million annually.

The takeaway

The elimination of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program in Idaho's Medicaid system has had tragic consequences, leading to the deaths of three patients with severe mental illness. Providers warn that without this critical service, more people could be at risk of harm as they lose access to essential treatment and support.