AARP Idaho 2025 Legislative Wrap-Up

See how results from the 2025 Idaho legislative session will impact family caregivers and Idaho's aging population.

Throughout this past legislative session staff and volunteers worked diligently to advance legislation that would not only benefit those 50 and older but Idahoans of all ages. And while there are always winners and losers during the legislative session, there is no question Idaho’s older population benefited greatly.

Three Attempts to Repeal Medicaid Expansion: Medicaid reform and cost containment were forefront in conversations for the entire legislative session and Medicaid Expansion was on the chopping block. Medicaid expansion, fills a critical gap and data shows expansion’s many positive impacts on older adults with low incomes, including improving their access to health care, their health outcomes, and their financial security.

The first attempt (HB 58) would have repealed Medicaid Expansion with no transitional safety net. HB 58 didn't receive a hearing in the House Health & Welfare Committee. AARP Idaho opposed the bill. Defeated.

The second attempt (HB 138) would have created 11 different "triggers" that if not met would repeal Medicaid Expansion. HB 138 cleared the full House but was held in committee on the Senate side. AARP Idaho opposed the bill. Defeated.

The Medicaid reform legislation that eventually was signed into law was HB 345. HB 345 is an attempt to reduce Medicaid spending by implementing waivers for Medicaid Expansion consumers while transitioning from value-based care reimbursement to a managed care system. AARP Idaho opposed the bill but worked with bill sponsors to incorporate caregiver protections and other measures.

Medicaid Expansion Waivers: HB 345 instructs the Department of Health and Welfare to implement and apply for three waivers:

• 1) Work requirements
• 2) Opportunity for those that qualify, to either retain Medicaid Expansion or receive an advanced premium tax credit to utilize toward purchasing a healthcare plan through the Your Health Idaho exchange
• 3) Implementing patient copays as a condition of participation in Medicaid Expansion.

Transition from Value Care to Medicaid Managed Care - HB 345 would make a comprehensive change to adopt a managed care organization (MCO) model. This shifts Idaho Medicaid away from provider-led cost containment efforts to management by an insurance company or MCO.

While the final outcome is not ideal, AARP Idaho will continue to work with the Department of Health and Welfare, other members of the Administration, legislators, and stakeholders to monitor enactment of the bill and track any substantial changes.

Vaccine Access Limitations: This legislation, titled the "Doug Cameron Act" would have placed a moratorium on the administration by any route or modality of any gene therapy product for any infectious disease indication, whether or not formally described as a vaccine immunization, and whether or not they meet the definition of "vaccine" under Idaho State Statute. AARP Idaho opposed this bill and lobbied to keep this bill in committee. Defeated.

AARP Idaho expects similar legislation to be introduced in the 2026 session, and we will work throughout the interim to inform legislators of the unintended consequences of legislation like this.

There were several programs that were at risk of not being funded during the 2025 Legislative session. AARP Idaho worked with stakeholders, legislators, and provided testimony to retain these vital programs.

The Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Program (ADRD): The ADRD program's mission is to expand Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias awareness, educational opportunities, supports, and services. Signed in law.

Fit and Fall Proof Program (FFP): Led by volunteers, FFP is an exercise-based fall prevention program for older adults in Idaho that focuses on improving strength, mobility, and balance to reduce an older adults' risk of falling. Signed into law.

Idaho Commission on Aging (ICOA): ICOA plans, coordinates, and promotes a statewide network to support aging Idahoans in living healthy and dignified lives in the communities of their choice. Services are targeted to those most in need and at risk of early institutionalization and include meals, transportation, homemaker and caregiver support, and respite. ICOA also leads the effort to keep aging Idahoans safe through the Adult Protective Services, Ombudsman, and Senior Legal Assistance Program. Signed into law.

Rural Nursing Loan Repayment Program (RNLRP): The RNLRP is a state-based program for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses practicing direct care in rural and underserved areas in Idaho. Signed into law.

The Idaho Commission for Libraries: Appropriations for broadband reimbursement to libraries and Digital Access for All Idahoans which will benefit rural communities, and underserved populations such as the elderly, veterans, and people with disabilities. AARP Idaho lobbied in favor of these bills. Signed into law.

The Idaho Department of Finance: Funding for an additional financial investigator specializing in cybersecurity to combat cybercrimes in Idaho. AARP Idaho lobbied in favor of this bill. Signed into law.

Report and hold legislation: This session, AARP Idaho successfully introduced a Report and Hold bill. “Report and hold authorities" refer to legal provisions that allow financial institutions like banks and brokerage firms to temporarily pause a customer's funds or transactions if they suspect that the customer is being financially exploited, and then report this suspected abuse to relevant authorities like Adult Protective Services, the Idaho Department of Finance or law enforcement agencies; essentially giving them the power to both "report" suspicious activity and "hold" funds to prevent further potential harm. The bill was signed into law and will go into effect July of 2025.

Grocery Tax Credit: This revenue measure increases Idaho’s annual grocery sales tax credit from $120 to $155 per person to help offset rising food prices. Taxpayers can choose between the standard increased credit, or an alternative credit based on the actual sales tax paid on groceries. AARP Idaho lobbied in favor of this bill. Signed into law.

Property Tax relief: Directs $50 million each year toward a fund that would distribute the property tax savings to residents for their primary residence. Each property owner’s relief is based on a formula that incorporates the value of their home. An average homeowner should see a reduction on their property taxes of 14.6%. AARP Idaho lobbied in favor of this bill. Signed into law.

Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts: This bill enables Idaho residents with disabilities to establish an ABLE account, a tax-advantaged savings program designed to help cover future expenses like transportation, housing, or medical needs. It amends existing law to ensure that savings in these accounts do not jeopardize eligibility for other public benefits. AARP Idaho lobbied in favor of this bill. Signed into law.

Snap Benefits: This bill would have required SNAP recipients to present valid photo identification to access benefits and would have imposed unnecessary obstacles for vulnerable populations, especially those who rely on a caregiver. AARP Idaho opposed this legislation. Defeated.

Idaho Department of Transportation: Funding for the Statewide Public Transit CARES to address public transportation needs across Idaho. Additionally, funding for the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council to be used for pedestrian safety projects. AARP Idaho lobbied in favor of these bills. Signed into law.

Absentee ballot restrictions: Another bill aimed at limiting absentee ballots was introduced this session as has been done in past legislative sessions. The bill would have imposed unnecessary restrictions on absentee voting, which is a secure, longstanding and essential method of voter participation in our state. AARP Idaho lobbied against this bill. Defeated.

Ready to join our volunteer team and work on legislative action initiatives likes the ones you just read about? If you are interested in getting involved in AARP Idaho's advocacy work or have any questions, please contact Lisa Anderson, AARP Idaho's Associate State Director of Advocacy at landerson@aarp.org or visit https://action.aarp.org/sign.