August 15, 2026

Legislators, anti-abortion group promote data that says ID hasn't lost OB-GYNs. Doctors push back.

State says number of active OB-GYN licenses doesn't reliably reflect how many doctors are actively practicing maternal healthcare in Idaho

By Laura Guido, Idaho Capital Sun

August 12, 2026

The Dr. Kylie Cooper, a maternal-fetal medicine physician, practices in Minnesota after she left Idaho in the spring of 2023, shortly after Idaho's criminal abortion ban went into effect.

Although it has been nearly three years since she left, Cooper, retained her Idaho medical license, she said.

"I have a sliver of hope that maybe things will get better in the future," Cooper said.

Cooper's license, as well as every other active medical OB-GYN license in the state, would have shown up in the data recently shared by the Idaho Family Policy Center -- a Christian advocacy group that lobbied for Idaho's criminal abortion ban and helped author a 2022 law allowing family members of a fetus aborted after six weeks to sue the abortion provider for a minimum of $20,000.

As campaigns for and against Proposition 1 -- a citizen-led ballot initiative that would repeal the state's strict abortion ban and provide protections for contraception and in vitro fertilization, ramp up for the Nov. 3 general election -- the abortion law's effect on the number of practicing OB-GYNs in Idaho has become a talking point. But determining the true number of doctors providing obstetrician-gynecologist care in the state isn't easy. READ MORE

Preparing for Medicaid Expansion Work Requirements

Understanding the Medical Frailty Exemption

Beginning January 1, 2027, mandatory work and community engagement requirements are scheduled to take effect for individuals enrolled in Medicaid Expansion. While several exemptions from the new requirements will be available, this update focuses specifically on the medical frailty exemption because its implementation will most likely require documentation from Idaho physicians.

Recent guidance from CMS narrowed the definition of medical frailty, likely impacting some individuals that qualify for the exemption. IMA is monitoring implementation of the new requirements, including the potential role of Idaho physicians in verifying medical frailty. While implementation details remain under development and are subject to change, a clearer picture is beginning to emerge of how the medical frailty exemption will work in practice.

How will Idaho Medicaid determine who qualifies for the medical frailty exemption?

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) has determined that a majority of individuals enrolled in Medicaid Expansion already meet the work and community engagement requirements. However, DHW estimates that approximately 15,000 individuals will need to provide additional information to demonstrate compliance or establish an exemption, some of whom may qualify for the medical frailty exemption.

Individuals will be permitted to self-attest to medical frailty their first time enrolling under the new requirements. However, at renewal, additional documentation will be required for patients to continue qualifying for the exemption.

Why does this matter for Idaho physicians?

DHW has indicated that one of the most straightforward ways for an individual to document medical frailty is through verification from their physician.

In follow-up conversations with IMA, DHW staff indicated that Idaho Medicaid is considering a form letter that patients would provide their physician for completion. IMA is working with Idaho Medicaid as this process is finalized to help ensure that physician documentation requirements are clear, straightforward, and administratively manageable, while minimizing disruptions to patient access to care.

IMA will provide additional guidance to members as more information becomes available and the verification process is finalized.

Upcoming Events:

Treasure Valley Regional Climate and Health Symposium - Wednesday, September 2, 2026; 8am - 4pm. This event offers in-person (Boise) and virtual attendance. CME credits are available. Speaker panels will explore Idaho's three largest climate threats -- heat, droughts, and wildfires -- through science, health implications and community action. For more information and to register, CLICK HERE.

St. Luke's Specialty Medical Conference for Primary Care - September 12-13, 2026; Sun Valley Resort. This conference is an annual update for physicians and advanced practice providers. Presentations will review clinical concerns common to primary care and define evidence-based practice guidelines. For more information and to register, CLICK HERE.

Register Now for 2026 IMA House of Delegates Meeting

Participation in this year's House of Delegates (HOD) meeting will be offered in-person and virtually to make it easier for IMA members to engage in our policy-making process! Active physician members who wish to participate in the HOD must register as a delegate.

Delegates attending in-person or virtually may present resolutions, provide testimony, submit amendments and vote on IMA policy during the meeting.

Please note that delegates must attend all or a majority of the Friday HOD meeting in order to qualify to vote at the Sunday HOD meeting. Be sure to plan on attending all sessions of the meeting if you would like to vote on Sunday.

To learn more about HOD and to register, visit our website.

Stay Ahead for 2027: Unlock the Latest AMA Coding Solutions

Did you know the AMA's 2027 coding resource information is now available? Don't miss the essential resources that help you adapt for the CPT 2027 updates and succeed in the ever-evolving healthcare environment. Act now to receive your AMA-published and IMA-discounted coding products. Order your CPT®, HCPCS, ICD-10, Code of Medical Ethics and other resource materials today!

The 2027 AMA & Optum Coding Book Order Form with the most popular choices is available HERE for your convenience.

Contact Rebecca at the IMA with any questions.

CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.