Otter touches on health plan, gets applause; calls for new crisis center

Gov. Butch Otter has just referred briefly to his new $30 million health proposal to address those who fall into the coverage “gap,” the 78,000 Idahoans who make too much to qualify for Idaho’s limited Medicaid program, but not enough to qualify for subsidized insurance plans through the state’s health insurance exchange. “I look forward to our discussions on that option,” Otter told lawmakers; they responded with applause.

Then, he proposed funding for a new behavioral health crisis center next year. “Folks, making healthcare in our communities more accessible and affordable has been a pillar of my policy agenda since I took office in 2007. That’s why I’m so proud of the progress we’re making in addressing local crisis intervention needs for those with acute substance abuse or mental health issues,” he said. “With your support we now have behavioral health crisis centers in Idaho Falls and Coeur d’Alene. The response in those communities has been more than encouraging.” The governor called for funding a third center next year in southern Idaho.