Idaho Lawmakers Propose Medicaid Cuts, Expansion Repeal

Proposed bills would reduce home care services and replace Medicaid expansion with a capped program.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Idaho lawmakers are drafting bills to cut funding for Medicaid home care services for people with disabilities and to repeal the state's Medicaid expansion program. The proposed cuts are part of efforts to reduce the state's Medicaid budget after years of tax cuts.

Why it matters

These proposed changes could significantly impact access to critical home and community-based services for Idahoans with disabilities, as well as healthcare coverage for the thousands who gained it through Medicaid expansion. The moves raise concerns about the state's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.

The details

The Idaho Legislature is pursuing $22 million in additional Medicaid cuts, including potentially ending dental coverage or services that help people with disabilities live independently. One bill would cut $21 million from residential habilitation, a program providing in-home support. Lawmakers are also drafting a bill to repeal Medicaid expansion at the end of 2026 and replace it with a capped program the next day.

  • The Idaho Legislature is currently drafting the bills for the proposed Medicaid cuts and Medicaid expansion repeal.
  • The bills would end Medicaid expansion as it currently exists at the end of the 2026 calendar year.

The players

Rep. John Vander Woude

Chairman of the Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee, who said his committee has a bill drafted to cut $21 million from residential habilitation services.

Sen. Melissa Wintrow

A Boise Democrat who expressed concern that cutting $21 million from residential habilitation could negatively impact services and businesses that raised pay rates.

Gov. Brad Little

Called for $22 million in additional Medicaid cuts, sharing a list of options that includes ending services like dental coverage or services that help people with disabilities live outside institutional settings.

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What they’re saying

“We probably needed to go through that with a finer tooth comb before we do that, because we could be having a negative impact on services.”

— Sen. Melissa Wintrow, Boise Democrat (Idaho Capital Sun)

“That would control some of the costs without taking everybody out.”

— Rep. John Vander Woude, Chairman, House Health and Welfare Committee (Idaho Capital Sun)

What’s next

The Idaho Legislature will continue drafting and considering the bills to cut Medicaid home care services and repeal Medicaid expansion. If passed, the changes would need federal approval to take effect.

The takeaway

These proposed Medicaid cuts and rollback of expansion raise serious concerns about Idaho's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities who rely on critical home and community-based services. The moves could significantly restrict access to healthcare and independent living for thousands of Idahoans.