Dear Idaho MGMA Members,
As the Idaho Legislature continues its 2025 session, several proposed bills could significantly impact medical practice operations, healthcare access, and provider workforce development. Below is a summary of key legislation we are monitoring:

1. House Bill 138 – Repeal of Medicaid Expansion
HB 138 seeks to repeal Medicaid expansion, which currently provides coverage to thousands of low-income Idahoans. Repealing this program would significantly increase uncompensated care for hospitals and clinics, add administrative burdens for medical practices, and disrupt care continuity for patients. The Idaho Medical Association strongly opposes this bill and is actively working to prevent its passage. IMGMA encourages members to evaluate the potential impact on their organizations and patients and to stay engaged in advocacy efforts.

• Update as of February 19, 2025: HB 138 passed the House with a 38-32 vote and will now advance to the Senate.

2. House Bill 58 – A Threat to Healthcare Access for Idahoans
HB 58 introduces policies that could restrict access to essential healthcare services, particularly in underserved and rural areas. This bill could create additional challenges for patient scheduling, provider reimbursements, and care delivery. We encourage members to stay informed and engaged on this issue.

3. House Bill 176 – WWAMI Program Transition
HB 176 proposes changes to Idaho’s participation in the WWAMI Medical Education Program, a critical pipeline for training physicians who return to practice in Idaho. Disruptions to this program could worsen physician shortages and strain healthcare staffing. The IMGMA Board of Directors has formally submitted a letter of opposition to this bill, recognizing its potential negative impact on Idaho’s medical workforce.

4. House Bill 77 – Assistant Physician Licensure
HB 77 proposes licensure for "Assistant Physicians," allowing recent medical school graduates who have not completed residency to practice under physician supervision. While this could help address provider shortages, it raises concerns about training, liability, and scope of practice. Several organizations, including the Idaho Medical Association and the Idaho Academy of Physician Assistants, strongly oppose this bill due to its potential risks to patient safety and healthcare standards.

5. House Bill 59 – Medical Ethics Defense Act
HB 59 aims to protect healthcare professionals from being required to provide services that conflict with their personal or religious beliefs. While this bill may not have immediate operational impacts on medical practices, its broader implications for patient access and compliance requirements remain a topic of discussion.

We encourage all IMGMA members to stay engaged in these legislative discussions and advocate for policies that support healthcare providers and patient access. If you have questions or would like to participate in advocacy efforts, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

☎️: 208-344-7888
📧: idahomgma@idmed.org
🖥️: imgma.com

Best regards,
Idaho Medical Group Managers Association Board of Directors

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Contact us at (208) 344-7888, or by email at IdahoMGMA@idmed.org.