Many Medicaid benefits are optional under the law. For many Idahoans, they’re anything but. 

Please take the time to read this article from Idaho Capital Sun. 

“Kristyn Herbert has a knack for coming up with delicious recipes in her head. But a seizure when she was a 2-day-old infant that left her not breathing for 10 minutes means that she needs someone else to prepare the food in her Meridian apartment. 

Herbert pays for her 24/7 care through Medicaid, but this type of long-term care in her home is considered an optional benefit that states may offer under federal regulations. Herbert has been living under looming uncertainty about whether the service will be taken away after Congress this month passed a federal budget reconciliation bill that is expected to cut Medicaid spending by around $1 trillion over the next decade.”

Written article available.

by Wilson Criscione, Investigate West, Idaho Capital Sun

March 21, 2024

In response to InvestigateWest reporting that uncovered allegations of child abuse and neglect at state-licensed facilities, the Idaho Legislature has commissioned a state watchdog investigation that will examine oversight of Idaho’s youth treatment homes.

Rep. Marco Erickson, R-Idaho Falls, presented the investigation request on Friday, arguing an evaluation was necessary to make sure Idaho is taking care of youth “a lot better than we’ve done,” referencing recent news stories revealing what he called “scary things” that have happened to children in residential treatment facilities licensed by the state. 

Find more information in the article at Idaho Capital Sun.

 

Please take time to listen/watch this from Idaho Reports. Included is the SILC chair, Shiloh Blackburn

“Tens of thousands of Idahoans who are elderly or have disabilities rely on direct care workers to live independently, but there’s a shortage of them. We take a look at the impact of that shortage, and what the state could do to help.”

Written Article and Video Story

Navigating the Future Together

IdahoRID is hosting an event commemorating our humble beginnings in 1973. Our vision is a coming-together to celebrate the heritage, family, connections, and culture of the Deaf Community and ASL interpreters. Where we learn with and from each other, fostering a continued cohesive community of respect, allyship, and forward thinking.

Event Details found here

 

 

The Office of Performance Evaluations will release their 2022 report on the Sustainability of Idaho’s Direct Care Workforce on Thursday, March 16th.

After release, the publication can be found on the OPE’s website.