The Legislature’s interim committee on Idaho’s health care coverage gap has convened its meeting at the state Capitol this morning; you can listen live here. First up, staffer Elizabeth Bowen shared the 82 public comments received since the group’s last meeting. None opposed covering the people in the gap. Thirty-four called for either traditional Medicaid expansion or a waiver program. Twenty wanted a comprehensive coverage package of some kind for the Idahoans currently in the gap, who make too little to qualify for subsidized health insurance through the state insurance exchange, but also don’t qualify for Idaho’s very limited Medicaid program.

Twenty-two didn’t advocate specific policies, but called for covering people in the gap. One wanted Idaho to make health care a public utility and cover everyone. Five didn’t advocate any policy, but shared their experiences with lack of coverage in Idaho.