OPINION: Putting people before politics when it comes to health care

Across North Idaho, we all want the same things: to be healthy, to care for our loved ones, and to live in communities where people look out for each other. Access to healthcare is an issue that impacts us all.

Listening to our community, it’s clear that the recent budget bill — and especially its impact on healthcare — is a major concern for many.

With the stroke of a pen, over 75,000 Idahoans could lose health coverage — 40,000 from Medicaid and 35,000 through the state’s health insurance marketplace. 

Medicaid coverage in Idaho is currently serving 318,000 people, including over 157,000 children and 52,000 seniors or individuals with disabilities. For many, it’s the difference between catching a problem early or ending up in an emergency room.

To us, these aren’t just numbers — we’ve met these people. They are working parents, seniors, veterans, children, and neighbors who rely on basic coverage to stay healthy and contribute to our community. These people are our friends. 

Some North Idahoans who will be especially impacted are those who need nursing homes or home-based care services. 

Medicaid pays for the care of 65% of nursing home residents in Idaho. Age and infirmity come for us all. Those sunset years deserve to be filled with as much dignity, cleanliness, and professional care as possible. Unfortunately, this bill prices low-income seniors out of quality care — or possibly any professional care at all. 

In addition, the bill defers the federal minimum staffing mandate, meaning quality staffing levels won’t be required until 2034. 

Those who want to live in dignity in their own homes will face even greater financial hurdles. Home and community based services (HCBS) provide opportunities for Medicaid beneficiaries to receive services in their own homes or communities rather than institutions or other isolated settings. Ironically, while HCBS are less expensive than nursing homes, the bill’s structure incentivizes states to keep institutional care intact while cutting HCBS. More people will funnel into nursing homes simply because that’s where the money still exists.

This will especially impact rural communities, where formal care options are already sparse, staffing shortages are already a problem, and family caregivers are stretched thin.

Here’s the kicker: The bill schedules these cuts to start after the 2026 midterm elections. Voters won’t experience exactly what politicians have done until after the elections. 

Access to health care is an issue that has transcended party lines before. 

In 2018, voters from all political backgrounds overwhelmingly supported Medicaid expansion at the ballot box. It was a moment of unity — proof that we can agree on the basic idea that every person deserves a fair shot at good health.

Even in 2025, when an effort was made in the Idaho Legislature to repeal that Medicaid expansion, it failed. Lawmakers heard the voices of constituents who made it clear that they want to protect this coverage. 

Access to healthcare is not a fringe idea in Idaho. It’s mainstream. It’s popular. It’s common ground.

Healthcare doesn’t just help individuals — it strengthens our whole state. When people are healthy, they can work, care for family, start businesses, and engage fully in community life. It reduces stress on emergency services and keeps small hospitals afloat. It’s one of the best investments we can make in our future.

We are committed to putting people ahead of politics. And we know the impact that a scrappy group of caring people can make. 

Here in Kootenai County, we know what it means to keep going.

We’ve faced political setbacks before. And yet, we always rise. Every loss has made us stronger, more determined, and more connected to the people we serve.

Resilience is a defining trait of a Kootenai County Democrat.

We don’t back down from hard fights — not when it comes to healthcare, and not when it comes to standing up for the hardworking people of Kootenai County. 

The fuel that keeps us going is the knowledge that we’re not alone. On this issue, we’re joined by thousands across the state who believe — deeply — that protecting access to healthcare is a shared Idaho value.

Let’s keep working toward a future where health and dignity belong to everyone.

• • •

Sarah Martin is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.