Join Pocatello Free Clinic (PFC) staff and board members in asking Idaho legislators to close the coverage gap.

PFC staff and board members are devoted to providing support to our sick and in-need neighbors. We are proud of the work we do and the stories we get to help change. In 2015, the PFC provided 2,772 healthcare visits for 847 individuals. With the aid of many volunteers $689,000 in services were delivered to low-income, uninsured individuals and families.

Regrettably, the assistance we have to offer is limited. For every person that we can help, there is another person that we have to turn away. For 48% of our patients there is a better option. Along with 78,000 Idahoans they fall into Idaho’s coverage gap — they make too much money for Medicaid but not enough money to qualify for subsidies on the health exchange. For three years, Idaho has had the opportunity to provide comprehensive insurance to this group by adopting the Healthy Idaho Plan. The Plan was developed and endorsed by two workgroups commissioned by Gov. C.L “Butch” Otter. Other proponents include the Idaho Association of Counties, the Idaho Medical Association, and many other organizations. Despite strong support, only one group has the power to close the coverage gap — Idaho lawmakers.

At present, we have many patients who need imaging, surgery, or specialty care which we do not have the capacity to provide. Numerous patients at our clinic have lived with pain or chronic illness for years because they do not have access to the healthcare system. These individuals and families are confused when told that if they made a couple hundred or a couple thousand dollars more a year, they could get an affordable healthcare plan.

Saving lives and improving the quality of life are reasons we urge the Idaho Legislature to close the coverage gap. Economics is another motive. When families without insurance acquire high-cost medical bills, medical bankruptcy may occur. Unpaid bills are ultimately paid for through taxes and higher healthcare costs for paying patients. Studies commissioned by the state of Idaho found that Idaho would have seen savings of $173 million over 10 years if the Healthy Idaho Plan had been passed in the 2015 legislative session. If lawmakers take action, Idaho could still capitalize on $100 million in savings over the next nine years.

The Healthy Idaho Plan is a solution that could save Idaho millions of dollars and prevent sickness and death. During this legislative session, we urge Idaho legislators to take action and give those who are sick and in-need the ultimate gift: relief.