February 16, 2026

Additional Budget Cuts May Cause Idaho to "Go Backwards" on Medical Education Progress

Idaho has made gains but remains last in physicians per capita. State budget cuts may disrupt planned residency programs

February 10, 2026

By: Laura Guido, Idaho Capital Sun

Idaho has for years ranked near or at the bottom of all states in the number of doctors per capita.

To solve this physician shortage issue, the state in 2017 crafted a 10-year-roadmap for increasing the number of medical residencies in the state with the goal of increasing the number of doctors. But these efforts are now in jeopardy under the budget cuts approved by the state budget-writing committee last week.

"It's frustrating," said Ted Epperly, the Idaho State Board of Education Graduate Medical Education coordinator.. "I recognize the legislators have a job to do with constitutionally balancing the budget, but there has to be a prioritization then of what becomes important for the state long-term, to solve major problems. And physician workforce is one of those problems."

Potential budget cuts may cause the state to freeze a planned obstetrics training program in Pocatello and compromise the ability to fulfill current obligations to Idaho's existing physician residents. READ MORE

Dr. Mark Uranga Featured on The Ranch Podcast to Promote Vitamin K

IMA member Dr. Mark Uranga appeared on The Ranch Podcast to talk about the importance of Vitamin K administration to newborns and its role in preventing fatal bleeds in infants.

To view the full discussion, CLICK HERE.

The Ranch Podcast, hosted by Eagle resident Matt Todd, is conversational and informative, encompassing a broad spectrum of topics in a non-confrontational format that invites viewers to hear from speakers with varying perspectives on issues impacting the daily lives of Idahoans.

Significant Wins for Patients, Physicians in Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026

AMA National Advocacy Update

February 6, 2026

After a short partial government shutdown, H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 was signed into law by President Trump. The legislation included funding for the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as a number of AMA health care policy wins, reflecting years of sustained AMA Advocacy:

Medicare Telehealth extensions

• Section 6209 extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities for two years, through Dec. 31, 2027.
• Following the disruptive 43-day lapse during the 2025 government shutdown, this extension restores continuity of care for Medicare beneficiaries.

Alternative Payment Model (APM) Incentives Restored

• Section 6204 reinstates APM incentive payments at 3.1% for the 2026 performance year/2028 payment year.

Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program: Virtual Expansion

• Section 6214 includes the PREVENT DIABETES Act, an AMA-endorsed policy expanding access to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP).
• For the first time, CDC-recognized virtual diabetes prevention programs will be included in the MDPP expanded model on a trial basis from Jan. 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2029.

Medicare Advantage Provider Directory Accuracy Reform

• Section 6220 includes the Requiring Enhanced and Accurate Lists of (REAL) Health Provider Act, shaped by extensive AMA input.
• Medicare Advantage plans must maintain accurate, regularly updated provider directories and publicly report accuracy rates.

Five-year Extension of Acute Hospital Care at Home

• Section 6210 extends the Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCaH) waiver for five years, through 2030.
• This preserves a proven, physician-led model delivering hospital-level care safely in the home, with strong outcomes and high patient satisfaction.

Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act Reauthorization

• Section 6508 reauthorizes and expands the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act for five years, through FY 2030.
• The bill continues funding, mandates annual stigma-reduction campaigns, broadens grant eligibility to address administrative burden, and aligns grant periods with the authorization length.

Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reform

• The legislation includes targeted pharmacy benefit manager reforms to enhance transparency, curb abusive Medicare drug rebate practices, and strengthen enforcement against anti-competitive behavior.

Maternal Health

• The bill reauthorizes the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act to expand federal research on preterm birth and improve outcomes for premature infants.
• It also reauthorizes the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, increases authorized funding to $100 million annually through 2030, expands the scope of state maternal mortality review committees, and directs federal agencies to more regularly disseminate best practices.

IMA Medical Student and Resident Legislative Update

IMA medical student and resident members: Join us March 3rd from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. MT on Zoom for this interactive online session.

IMA CEO Susie Keller and IMA Director of Government Affairs Mike Cunnington will share the latest developments from the Statehouse and highlight progress being made on IMA legislative priorities.

This is a great opportunity to hear directly from the IMA staff who represent you, learn how current policy discussions may impact your future practice, and ask any questions you have about the legislative process or ways to stay involved.

Students and residents who would like to attend are asked to register by clicking the link below. We look forward to having you join us!

REGISTER HERE

The Hidden Revenue Leak: What Providers Aren't Documenting and How to Fix It

Join us on March 11th for this session from the IMA Education Series

Presenter: Nicole Benson, BA, CPC, CPMA, COSC, Audit Manager of Gill Compliance Solutions

Audience: Coders, auditors, billers and staff that review, code, and/or assign ICD-10 coding to the medical record for insurance billing and reimbursement.

AAPC-Approved for one hour of CEU credit

Don't Miss These Upcoming Events!

OHSU Boise Alumni Chapter Trivia Night: March 26, 2026, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at 10 Barrel Brewing. Get ready for good beer, friendly competition and an easy way to connect with fellow OHSU alumni. For more information and to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.

ACP Idaho Chapter Annual Scientific Meeting: The Idaho Chapter American College of Physicians annual scientific meeting will be held at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Meridian, Idaho, May 15-17, 2026. Hospitalists, internal medicine physicians, subspecialists, and residents and students from around the state of Idaho are invited to attend and earn CME credits. For more information and to register, CLICK HERE.