Idaho Democrats Plan Medicaid Cut Town Halls, Moscow Among Scheduled Stops

Senate Democrats call for public hearings on proposed Medicaid cuts, plan four events across the state

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:47pm

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Idaho Democratic legislators are planning a series of four town hall events in February to hear from Idahoans who may be affected by potential Medicaid cuts. The events will be held in Boise, Pocatello, Hailey, and Moscow, with local Democratic senators hosting each forum. This comes after the state's Republican-led budget committee declined to hold public hearings on the proposed Medicaid cuts.

Why it matters

Medicaid is a critical health insurance program for low-income individuals and families in Idaho. Proposed cuts to Medicaid services and spending could have significant impacts on vulnerable populations in the state, including those with disabilities and the elderly. The town halls aim to give a voice to those who may be affected by the potential reductions.

The details

Idaho Democratic legislators are planning four town hall events in February to hear from Idahoans who may be impacted by potential Medicaid cuts. The events will be held in Boise on February 4, Pocatello on February 7, Hailey on February 13, and Moscow on February 14. Local Democratic senators will be hosting each forum to provide an opportunity for the public to share how the proposed Medicaid reductions would affect their daily lives.

  • The Boise town hall will be held on February 4 from 4-7 p.m. in the Lincoln Auditorium at the state Capitol.
  • The Pocatello event will be held on Saturday, February 7, hosted by Sen. James Ruchti.
  • The Hailey town hall is scheduled for Friday, February 13, hosted by Sen. Ron Taylor.
  • The Moscow event will take place on Saturday, February 14, hosted by Rep. Megan Egbert.

The players

Melissa Wintrow

Idaho Senate minority leader who called on the state budget committee to hold public hearings on Medicaid cuts.

James Ruchti

Idaho Senate minority leader who will host the Pocatello town hall event.

Janie Ward-Engelking

Idaho Senate minority leader who joined in calling for public hearings on Medicaid cuts.

Brad Little

Idaho Governor who included $22 million in Medicaid cuts in his budget proposal.

Josh Tanner

Co-Chair of the Idaho Joint Finance-Appropriation Committee, who stated it is not the committee's role to hold public hearings on Medicaid policy.

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What they’re saying

“Idahoans deserve to be heard before their health care is taken away. Republicans are moving forward with Medicaid cuts while refusing to hold public hearings for the people who will live with the consequences.”

— Melissa Wintrow, Idaho Senate minority leader

“It's not really JFAC's role.”

— Josh Tanner, Co-Chair of the Idaho Joint Finance-Appropriation Committee

What’s next

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The takeaway

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