Story perspectives

Idaho Restores Medicaid Mental Health Programs After Patient Deaths

4/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Idaho Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1446, reinstating Medicaid mental health programs cut in 2022.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will resume full reimbursements for the Assertive Community Treatment program and peer support services.
This decision follows the deaths of four patients after the initial cuts.
Idaho Medicaid Administrator Sasha O’Connell stated that providers can collaborate with managed care contractors to restore services.
Access Behavioral Health Services co-owner Laura Scuri indicated that full operational status may take about a month.

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Story summary

Idaho Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1446, reinstating Medicaid mental health programs cut in 2022.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will resume full reimbursements for the Assertive Community Treatment program and peer support services.
This decision follows the deaths of four patients after the initial cuts.
Idaho Medicaid Administrator Sasha O’Connell stated that providers can collaborate with managed care contractors to restore services.
Access Behavioral Health Services co-owner Laura Scuri indicated that full operational status may take about a month.