Idaho's cautionary tale about leaving ACA alternatives up to states

One of the many ideas discussed as Republicans in Congress try to craft a replacement plan for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is leaving specific policies up to states, whether it be through Medicaid block grants or keeping current ACA regulations.

That’s no guarantee of success, Washington Post reporter Robert Samuels writes. Idaho is one example of how the controversy around healthcare policy can create legislative gridlock at the state level like it does on Capitol Hill.

Idaho was among the Republican-dominated states that chose not to expand Medicaid. Instead, it’s tried to come with its own solution, but after four years of studies and proposals, no viable alternative can be agreed upon.

“While it is clear there is broad agreement on the fact there is a problem, agreement on what to do about it is another story,” said Idaho Gov. Butch Otter.

For more on some of the proposals which have failed to gain traction, like offering funding directly to primary care providers, click on the link below: