It's too logical for Idaho

Legislators heard passionate testimony Tuesday in favor of expanding Medicaid coverage in Idaho.

Doing so would provide important health care to thousands of Idahoans who live below the poverty level.

It would save the state roughly $45 million in catastrophic health care costs.

It would save counties another $20 million in indigent health care costs.

Improve the health of thousands of Idahoans. Save millions and millions of dollars.

Easy, right?

Wrong. The state’s first hearing on expanding Medicaid eligibility was a step in the right direction, but apparently, one that will not be followed by more steps. Not this session, and not in the same direction, either.

Sen. Lee Heider, R-Twin Falls, chairman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, said the measure won’t move forward because doing so would conflict with Gov. Butch Otter’s alternative proposal. The governor’s plan would provide only preventive care to those caught in a gap where they can’t qualify for health insurance subsidies or Medicaid. And if the governor’s proposal is adopted, it will cost the state money, not save it.

In our view, this is ideology conquering common sense and human decency. The Medicaid expansion program is possible because of a provision in — hold your breath — President Obama’s Affordable Care Act. Obama? Federal government? Obamacare? Three strikes and you’re out.

Add to the ideology the myth that everyone seeking state or federal aid is a lazy freeloader, and you’re not just out. That’s a death sentence in the Great Potato State.

If there’s a bright side to this bleak scenario, it’s that a building-block stone has finally gotten nudged an inch or two. Maybe someday it can roll all the way to reality.