Idaho Democrats: Don't squander Medicaid expansion

BOISE (AP) - Minority Democrats are demanding Republicans schedule debate on a bill to expand Medicaid this session, saying Idaho risks squandering an opportunity to save taxpayers tens of millions and bring $1.1 billion into the state.

House Minority Leader John Rusche joined Sen. Dan Schmidt Tuesday in issuing an open letter urging Republicans to "find courage to stand up to their activists' narrow, but vocal opposition."

President Barack Obama's 2010 insurance overhaul foresaw expanding Medicaid to cover more low-income people.

But the U.S. Supreme Court left it up to states to decide.

Republican State Rep. Tom Loertscher of Iona has introduced a measure to expand Medicaid, arguing that it makes financial sense.

However, Republican leaders including House Speaker Scott Bedke say there's not enough time left in the 2013 session to tackle the issue.