As testimony continues this afternoon, representatives of groups endorsing closing Idaho’s coverage gap have included AARP, the Idaho Sheriffs Association and the Idaho Association of Counties. Francoise Cleveland of AARP Idaho said coverage is needed to “prevent those in need from getting sicker at taxpayer expense.” Bannock County Sheriff Lorin Nielsen said sheriffs see people who “self-medicate” show up at their jails, along with people suffering from mental health issues.

Sen. Steven Thayn, R-Emmett, asked Nielsen, “In taking a vote to support this proposal, did you discuss … the program actually growing more than expected, or did you talk about other alternatives to how we might approach this , or was it pretty much an up and down vote on this one issue?”

Nielsen said, “Pretty much an up and down vote. ... We’re just going by the evidence that was placed before us, and feel that the state should invest in this process, based on what we had talked about.” He added, amid some laughter, “But as far as being able to solve the problem, no, we all envy you for that particular decision.”