Thousands of Idahoans still need free and charitable health care
BOISE, November 28th, 2018 – Thousands of Idahoans will still need the services provided by free and charitable clinics across the state despite the successful passage of Proposition 2.
The November 6 election tasks the Idaho Legislature with the expansion of Medicaid benefits to those adults whose income is between zero and 138 percent of the federal poverty designation. The vote means an estimated 91,000 additional people in Idaho will be eligible for Medicaid health benefits.
But even with that result, Idahoans who cannot afford health care will still rely on the 11 clinics operated by the IdahoAssociation of Free and Charitable Clinics, according to Josh Campbell, the president of the IAFCC.
An analysis of the situation by the Urban Institute showed that even after expansion, there will still be many Idahoans who do not have access to healthcare. Approximately 10 percent of 18 to 64-year-old adults, some 144,000, will still be uninsured.
“To those who support the free and charitable clinics in Idaho, I say thank you, and now is not the time to slow down,” Campbell said. “History and experience from other states that have expandedMedicaid, also shows that free and charitable clinics will continue to serve asa healthcare safety net for people in Idaho.”
The 11 free and charitable clinics across Idaho record more than 18,000 patient encounters each year. The clinics are located in communities across the state, including Boise and Garden City, as well asPocatello, Sandpoint and Twin Falls.
Campbell cautioned that the expansion of benefits as a result of the election may take some time; the Department ofHealth and Welfare anticipates full implementation will not occur until January 1, 2020. The challenge of funding and implementing the will of the voters will be before the Idaho Legislature when they begin the 2019 Legislative session inJanuary.
“Idaho Free and Charitable clinics will continue to be a critical component to Idaho’s healthcare system,” said Campbell. “These clinics have earned the trust of their patients and their communities for the last 25 years and will continue to serve those in need.”
About the Idaho Association of Free and Charitable Clinics
The Idaho Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (IAFCC) is an unincorporated nonprofit association under the laws of the State of Idaho. The IAFCC organized in 2017 with the mission to support and provide resources to registered free and charitable clinics statewide that provide access to primary care for the medically needy. For more information: https://www.idahoafcc.org/
