Idaho Bills

Amends existing law to provide that a third party that requires prior authorization for items or services provided to a recipient of medical assistance shall accept authorization from the state.

Amends existing law to provide for the exchange of certain information between the State Tax Commission and the Department of Health and Welfare for investigation of fraud.

Adds to existing law to provide that the director of the Department of Health and Welfare shall seek a waiver to exclude candy and soda from supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits.

This legislation would require the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare to request a waiver from the federal government to be able to exclude candy and soda from SNAP eligible foods. Food stamps are currently fueling the junk food epidemic, with soda ranking as the number one commodity bought with food stamps. Taxpayers are funding a growing health crisis, including childhood obesity. Banning soda and candy from food stamps would prioritize health and nutrition while also reducing taxpayer’s out-of-control Medicaid costs. Make Idaho Healthy Again!

Amends existing law to require legislative action for certain changes to public assistance programs.

This legislation, effective July 1, 2025, modifies the eligibility criteria to stipulate any changes cannot be provided in rule, state plan, state plan amendment, agency guidance, or other documents. It also adds an emergency clause.