1 bill · 2016 Regular Session
Amends and adds to existing law to implement the Primary Care Access Program.
The purpose of this legislation is to provide primary care access and care coordination to Idahoans with incomes under 100 percent of the federal poverty level and who are not eligible for Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act's Advanced Payment of Tax Credit, or an employer-sponsored or other government-subsidized healthcare plan. This population has historically sought occasional care through hospital emergency rooms, clinics providing low-cost or free care, or not sought care at all until they are seriously ill. That has resulted in high costs to the State due to increased demand on county indigent and State catastrophic health programs. The legislation would improve the quality of healthcare in Idaho by providing the "Gap" population with regular preventive primary care and care management for chronic conditions. It requires citizens to contribute financially for their clinical services and encourages citizens to take personal responsibility for their own health. Thelegislationincludesafive-yearsunsetclause, enablingtime-certainevaluationoftheprogram's effectiveness.