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Idaho Senate Advances Bill Banning Medicaid Diversity Policies

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

An Idaho Senate committee advanced a bill prohibiting Medicaid-funded health care providers from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Josh Kohl of Idaho, would require decisions to be based on merit and ban race- or sex-based preferences in Medicaid agreements.
Supporters say the measure prevents preferential treatment, while opponents such as physician Dorothy Buening argue it could threaten quality care and patient outcomes.
The bill passed the committee with two dissenting votes, and its fate now rests with the full Senate and potential gubernatorial action.

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Story summary

An Idaho Senate committee advanced a bill prohibiting Medicaid-funded health care providers from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Josh Kohl of Idaho, would require decisions to be based on merit and ban race- or sex-based preferences in Medicaid agreements.
Supporters say the measure prevents preferential treatment, while opponents such as physician Dorothy Buening argue it could threaten quality care and patient outcomes.
The bill passed the committee with two dissenting votes, and its fate now rests with the full Senate and potential gubernatorial action.