Idaho Introduces Bill to Ban DEI Policies for Medicaid Providers

The proposed legislation would prohibit health care organizations that accept Medicaid funding from having diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Idaho Legislature has introduced a bill that would prohibit health care providers who accept Medicaid funding from having any 'DEI' (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies in their employment, training, or practice requirements. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Clint Hostetler, said the goal is to ensure hiring and contracting decisions are based solely on 'professional qualifications, clinical competency and quality of patient care' rather than factors like race or sex.

Why it matters

This bill is part of a broader effort in Idaho to crack down on DEI initiatives, which some conservative lawmakers view as promoting 'critical race theory' and 'race or sex stereotyping.' Supporters argue a 'merit-based' health care system will improve trust and outcomes, but critics worry the legislation could reduce diversity in the medical field and negatively impact patient care.

The details

The proposed bill would prohibit Medicaid providers from using 'race-based' or 'sex-based' preferences, targets, benchmarks, quotas, or equity goals. It would also ban mandatory bias, implicit bias, or 'systemic bias' training that assigns responsibility or disadvantage based on protected characteristics. Compliance with these rules would be a condition of Medicaid provider agreements, and the state's Department of Health and Welfare would need to ensure network-wide compliance for any Medicaid managed care contractors. The attorney general could investigate alleged violations and pursue monetary penalties.

  • The bill was introduced in the Idaho Legislature on March 5, 2026.

The players

Rep. Clint Hostetler

A Republican state representative from Twin Falls who introduced the anti-DEI bill for Medicaid health care providers.

Rep. Megan Egbert

A Democratic state representative from Boise who questioned what would happen to existing Medicaid provider contracts if the bill passed.

Rep. Lori McCann

A Republican state representative from Lewiston who asked if the bill was addressing a real problem or creating a new one.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A merit-based health care system strengthens trusts, improves outcomes and ensures that resources are directed towards excellency and efficiency.”

— Rep. Clint Hostetler (dailyfly.com)

“I'd like to know, are we fixing a problem, or are we creating a problem?”

— Rep. Lori McCann (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The bill will now go to a full public hearing in the House Health and Welfare Committee, where Rep. Hostetler has said he will provide examples to support the need for the legislation.

The takeaway

This bill is the latest effort by Idaho's conservative lawmakers to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which they view as promoting 'critical race theory.' While supporters argue it will improve health care quality, critics worry it could reduce diversity in the medical field and negatively impact patient care.