When it comes to health care for poorer citizens, it’s astonishing to see how much money an otherwise-frugal Idaho Legislature is willing to fritter away. Whether through pure ideology or political preservation, state lawmakers have thus far rejected the Medicaid expansion provided for under the Affordable Care Act. In so doing, they’re forgoing the most obvious solution to two nettlesome problems: the county-financed medical indigency program and the state catastrophic health care program, both of which bleed money. Last year, the Legislature pondered discontinuing both programs and accepting the Medicaid expansion when reports from two consultants outlined considerable savings/Spokesman-Review Editorial Board. More here.

Question: Do you understand what's happening here?