Idaho Council on Indian Affairs Urges Lawmakers to Protect Medicaid

Council votes unanimously to draft letter calling for preserving Medicaid, including expansion, for tribal members

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Idaho Council on Indian Affairs voted unanimously on Wednesday to draft a letter urging state lawmakers to protect Medicaid, including Medicaid expansion, and exempt Native American tribal members from further budget cuts. The council, which includes legislators and tribal representatives, cited the critical importance of Medicaid for the state's tribal communities, with over 50% of residents on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation enrolled in the program.

Why it matters

Medicaid plays a vital role in providing healthcare access for many Native Americans in Idaho, with the federal government reimbursing 100% of the costs for tribal members. The council's action aims to safeguard this crucial program amid state budget cutting efforts that have targeted Medicaid services.

The details

The council's decision came after a policy analyst for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Michael Steele, highlighted the 'staggering need' for Medicaid among vulnerable tribal members, including children and elders. Steele noted that Medicaid funding represents 82% of the Tribal Health and Human Services budget. The council voted unanimously to draft a letter urging state lawmakers to protect Medicaid, including the Medicaid expansion program approved by Idaho voters in 2018.

  • The Idaho Council on Indian Affairs voted on the letter on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Idaho Council on Indian Affairs

A council that includes legislators and Idaho tribal representatives and advises the governor, Legislature and state agencies.

Michael Steele

A policy analyst for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes who advocated for the council to support Medicaid.

Donna Thompson

A member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes who suggested other tribes identify the percentage of their members who use Medicaid.

Rep. Brandon Mitchell

A Republican state representative from Moscow, Idaho, who noted he would want to see the letter before putting his name on it.

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What they’re saying

“The past year that I've worked for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, I've seen firsthand the importance of Medicaid. I see individuals on a weekly, sometimes daily basis, just walking past my office. Many of them are vulnerable children, elders or other tribal members that are really suffering … The need is staggering, and Medicaid saves lives.”

— Michael Steele, Policy Analyst, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The council voted unanimously to draft the letter urging state lawmakers to protect Medicaid. Rep. Brandon Mitchell noted he would want to see the letter before putting his name on it.

The takeaway

This action by the Idaho Council on Indian Affairs underscores the critical importance of Medicaid for the state's tribal communities, with over half of residents on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation enrolled in the program. The council's efforts aim to safeguard this vital healthcare access amid state budget cutting efforts that have targeted Medicaid services.