The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare vaccinated the state's children for years against a number of diseases. The shots were free for every child regardless of ability to pay. The program was a good thing. This month, the state changed the program to exclude those children whose immunizations would be covered by their parents insurance. The policy change is not a good thing. The Legislature, which approved the change, did so to save the state an estimated $2.8 million. They should have looked elsewhere to make cuts. A healthy populace is vitally important to the state. The state also did a poor job of informing parents about the changes/Murf Raquet, Moscow-Pullman Daily News. More here.

Question: Should the state of Idaho continue to provide free immunizations for all children, including those whose parents have insurance to cover part or all of the cost?