Konie came to the Statehouse for a visit! Lots going on, even in the dog days of summer!
Medicaid Managed Care Committee
I serve on this committee that was created by HCR009 to examine the most effective and cost efficient ways to deliver Medicaid services. Currently IDHW contracts a private vendor to deliver services associated with behavioral health, dental, and non-emergency medical transportation. Taxpayer dollars are used to pay a private company to deliver services instead of hiring staff for Idaho Medicaid. There are pros and cons to these model, but so far NO convincing or consistent evidence has been presented that Managed Care Models save money or improve services.
Stay tuned! More meetings and more info coming!
Legislative Work
I have been working with a group of stakeholders since the end of session to better understand many of the challenges people face who have degenerative brain disorders like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Huntington’s disease. There are many gaps in services including those to support caregivers and to find ways to de-escalate and prevent additional troubles associated with these disorders. I will keep you posted on this work and any support that folks can provide.
Opportunity for Emerging Leaders
The Anti Defamation League (ADL) Pacific Northwest recently opened applications for the 2023-2024 Glass Leadership Institute class in Seattle, Portland and for the first time, in Boise! it’s a great opportunity for young advocates or aspiring/current public servants.
For over 20 years, ADL Pacific Northwest has convened the Glass Leadership Institute for emerging leaders in their 20’s and 30’s from all backgrounds. This six-month program, beginning in November 2023 and culminating in May 2024, empowers young professionals with the skills to advance ADL’s mission of fighting antisemitism and hate and building a just, inclusive society.
Evening programs feature national and local ADL experts and community partners who present on a variety of topics, including fighting antisemitism and hate, civil rights advocacy, criminal justice reform and policing, and addressing domestic extremism. Participants are also invited to attend an ADL national leadership summit and local lobby days.
Applications for the new class are now open and will close on August 31. I would so appreciate you sharing this information with your colleagues and greater network.
Do You Have Input About Child Protection?
The Office of Performance Evaluation is conducting a follow-up evaluation of the child protection system to assess the progress made on recommendations in four previous studies.
To gather information from a variety of sources, we have created a website where anyone with an interest in child protection can learn about this project and provide their contact information to participate.
Please contact OPE if you would like to connect and offer input: https://opechildprotectionstudy.com/