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Lawmakers are struggling with runaway costs in the state’s Catastrophic Health Care Fund, thanks to the plunging economy that’s thrown more Idahoans on the mercy of their county indigent programs when they have a health crisis. Counties pay up to $11,000 per case, and then the state picks up the rest, but costs have been ballooning. (Those who get the benefits also get liens slapped on their homes and all assets to try to recover the costs.) Last year, legislation was enacted to reform the program, raise the counties’ deductible from $10,000 to $11,000, and bring in claims review and utilization management to try to bring the costs under control. But caseloads have continued to skyrocket, driving up costs even as those new savings programs are in the process of being implemented. “Our numbers continue to change, and I’m almost fearful our numbers are somewhat optimistic still,” Roger Christensen, CAT fund board chairman, told JFAC today.
In fiscal year 2011, Christensen expects costs for cases to hit $35.4 million, but with the savings, he’s proposing a budget of $30 million. He’s also requested a supplemental appropriation of $8 million, but Gov. Butch Otter has recommended just $4 million; however, so many Idahoans are asking for help that even the $8 million now appears not to be enough. By law, the state has to pay the bills for eligible people, Christensen said - if it doesn’t have the money, its only option is to roll the debt into the next year.
Former state GOP Chairman Blake Hall has been the one giving the CAT fund report to JFAC for years, as his Idaho Falls law firm had the management contract for the program. Last year, Hall was paid $213,000 to run the program in fiscal year 2009. But Christensen said “Times and conditions have changed.” The board has voted not to renew Hall’s contract, though it’s continuing now on a month-to-month basis until a new contract is in place in February. That contract, which still is being finalized, calls for the board itself to run the program, with the Idaho Association of Counties providing interim management and the Idaho Attorney General providing legal services. Estimated costs for next year: $125,000 to $130,000.
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Sisyphus on January 21 at 11:49 a.m.
What a bunch of idiots. Health care reform addresses this problem and instead of embracing solutions, Idaho Republicans will increase the money for lawyers to sue the feds on health care reform. We can’t afford their proposed “solutions” for the state.
And Idaho Republicans continue to pay Blake Hall?! The former RNC lawyer and committeeman who recently served jail time for stalking his ex-girlfriend and throwing used condoms in her driveway? Phenomenally corrupt.
Sisyphus on January 21 at 12:49 p.m.
Betsy, I’m troubled on the basis for this statement: “…thanks to the plunging economy that’s thrown more Idahoans on the mercy of their county indigent programs when they have a health crisis.” Isn’t it also attributable to higher health care costs and an increasing rate of uninsured whether or not they’re unemployed?
Thanks in advance.
jimtheafl on January 21 at 1:16 p.m.
Let me get this straight, an Idahoan is unable to secure health insurance, so when the Idahoan may die due to an illness or accident, the country indigent fund will pay medical costs for the first $11,000 and then the Cat fund pays the balance. If the Idahoan gets well but cannot repay the state/county, the government takes your home and any other assets. If the Idahoan dies, the state/county takes all you have and your family is in the street. Think about it, does this not beg the question, American needs healthcare and needs a single payer so everyone has insurance. The Idahoan keeps his/her home. All is good.