New Health Insurance Exchange Bill Restarts Debate In Idaho Legislature

Emilie Ritter Saunders / StateImpact Idaho

The debate over an Idaho-based health insurance exchange was reset today. The House Health and Welfare Committee voted to print a new bill that combines Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s proposal that passed the Senate last month, with new ideas that aim to please more House lawmakers.

Here’s more info on the new proposal from Times-News reporter Melissa Davlin:

The new bill has the same provisions of the first two bills, with one major addition: It adds three voting members to the exchange board, all of whom are members of the Idaho Legislature. Those members include one person appointed by the House Speaker, one by the Senate President Pro Tem, and one from the minority party.

House Majority Caucus Chairman John Vander Woude, R-Nampa, offered the only “no” vote on printing the bill.

Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene and sponsor of the original trailer bill, said he was happy with the additions.

“I didn’t have any problem with it at all,” he said. – Times-News

This new piece of legislation will now have to work its way through the House and go back to the Senate for approval. The public hearing on the new bill is expected to take place Thursday and Friday at 7:00 a.m.