June 1, 2026

Primary Election Wins for 73% of IMPAC-Backed Candidates

The 2026 Idaho Primary Election was held on Tuesday, May 19, and once again demonstrated the significant role primary elections play in shaping Idaho's political landscape. In a state where many general election outcomes are heavily favored toward Republican candidates, the outcome of the closed Republican primary often has a significant impact on the future of state policy.

The Idaho Medical Political Action Committee (IMPAC) supported 31 candidates, 22 of whom went on to win their primary races and are now positioned favorably for he general election. IMPAC's winning percentage, 73% among legislative candidates, represents a significant increase over the previous primary election in 2024.

One of the most significant election-night developments was the defeat of five members of the Legislature's so-called "Gang of 8," a group of hardline conservatives known for opposing government spending and their support of repealing Medicaid Expansion. IMPAC supported the opponents of each of the five defeated legislators. These results don't necessarily suggest that Idaho politics is becoming less conservative. Rather they may indicate that Republican primary voters are searching for a more measured approach to governing, particularly following a combative legislative session defined by budget constraints which included significant cuts to Medicaid.

The results were not uniformly positive for healthcare advocates. Three legislators, Sen. Jim Woodward (R-Sagle), Rep. Mark Sauter (R-Sandpoint), and Rep. Lori McCann (R-Lewiston), who have been strong supporters of healthcare issues in north Idaho, lost their races. However, several key legislators in eastern Idaho, including Sen. Jim Guthrie (R-McCammon), Sen. Julie VanOrden (R-Pingree), and Rep. Ben Fuhriman (R-Shelley), ultimately held onto their seats. Taken together, the May 19 results suggest the next Legislature may shift slightly toward the center.

For IMA members, this election underscores the importance of engagement, targeted support, and continued relationship-building with candidates who understand the importance of a stable healthcare system and a strong physician voice in the policymaking process.

Thank you to everyone who invested in IMPAC and helped contribute to our Primary Election success. Your support made a meaningful difference.

If you have not yet made a contribution, there is still time to help strengthen IMPAC's efforts heading into the General Election in November. The IMPAC Board will begin making endorsement decisions in the coming months, and additional contributions will allow us to support a strong slate of candidates who understand the importance of physician-led advocacy and sound healthcare policy.

Please consider making a contribution HERE.

Shape the Future of IMA: Join the Governance Task Force!

IMA is seeking members who are interested in shaping the future of our organization to serve on the Governance Task Force. This group focuses on evaluating how IMA's leadership structure, committees, and decision-making processes could evolve to foster greater transparency, efficiency, and expanded opportunities for member input and engagement on IMA policy priorities throughout the year.

As part of this work, the Task Force will explore the development of new IMA committees that will review and formulate future policy recommendations. This is an exciting opportunity to help build a more intentional and responsive framework for how member input informs IMA priorities and advocacy.

If you are interested in contributing your perspective and helping guide this important work, we encourage you to get involved.

To learn more or express interest, please contact Sara Beattie at: sara@idmed.org.

More Ways to Make Your Voice Heard: Kratom Working Group

During its May meeting, the IMA Board of Trustees voted to establish a Kratom Working Group under the Public Health Committee. The working group is intended to bring together a broad range of IMA voices and expertise to evaluate IMA's current policy on kratom and recommend updates for consideration by the House of Delegates (HOD).

This is an important opportunity for members to help shape IMA's policy on an issue that continues to generate significant public health and legislative discussion. Your participation will help ensure IMA's policy is informed by physician expertise and reflects firsthand concerns as they continue to emerge across Idaho. Following those internal discussions, IMA anticipates inviting additional stakeholders to participate in a broader conversation about potential next steps legislatively.

Members interested in participating, or those with additional questions, should contact Mike Cunnington at cunnington@idmed.org.

Apply Now for "Future Physicians of Idaho" Grant Awards

The Idaho Medical Association Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2026 Future Physicians of Idaho Awards.

This year, the Foundation will award $35,000 to support medical students, residents, and fellows who are committed to serving Idaho’s healthcare needs. At least three awards will go to fourth-year medical students graduating this spring who have matched to an Idaho residency program and plan to practice in a medically underserved community in Idaho.

The Foundation will award at least three additional grants to residents or fellows completing their training this spring, whether in Idaho or in an out-of-state program in a specialty not currently offered in Idaho, who plan to practice in a medically underserved Idaho community and can provide proof of an employment offer.

Additionally, new this year, the Southwestern Idaho Medical Society (SWIMS) will offer a dedicated $5,000 award as part of the total funding pool. This award will go to an eligible medical student, resident, or fellow who meets the criteria above and will train or practice in a county within the Southwestern Idaho Medical Society District 3 area.

The IMA Foundation’s goal is to strengthen efforts to grow Idaho’s physician workforce and improve access to high quality healthcare across the state. The Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the Idaho Medical Association.

IMA members can help sustain these awards by donating to the Foundation. To donate, text “Give” to (208) 996-8776.

Applications must be submitted by July 3, 2026.

To apply, select the appropriate link below:

• Medical Student Application
• Resident/Fellow Application

The IMA Foundation looks forward to supporting the next generation of Idaho physicians.

For questions, email Sara Beattie at sara@idmed.org or call the IMA at 208-344-7888.

CMS - New Version of the Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an updated version of the Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN), Form CMS-R-131, effective March 13, 2026. Providers and suppliers must begin using the revised form no later than May 12, 2026. The ABN is issued to Original Medicare beneficiaries when a provider believes Medicare may deny payment for a service or item that is typically covered, allowing the patient to decide whether to proceed and accept possible financial responsibility.

The updated ABN does not significantly change Medicare policy requirements, but it does improve the form's readability and organization. CMS revised the language to make it easier for beneficiaries to understand why Medicare may deny coverage, what their options are, and whether they may be financially responsible for the service. The beneficiary option section was rewritten in simpler language, and the overall format was streamlined to reduce repetitive information and improve patient understanding.


While the form's appearance and wording have changed, providers must still follow the same compliance requirements. ABNs must be issued before services are rendered, completed correctly, and retained in the medical record. The revised form also includes a new expiration date of March 31, 2029.

Providers should update electronic health record systems, replace older paper forms, and educate staff on the new version. Failure to use the updated ABN after May 12, 2026, could affect a provider's ability to bill beneficiaries for services denied by Medicare.

The updated ABN form and instructions can be downloaded directly from CMS; forms are available in English and Spanish.

Adverse Event Disclosure; Communication and Early Resolution Programs

Join us on June 17th for this session from the 2026 IMA Education Series

Michael Anderson, CPHRM of MIEC Patient Safety & Risk Management will be speaking on the topic of physician wellness and support during and beyond malpractice claims.

As part of the discussion, he will review novel approaches to preventing malpractice claims, including early communication and resolution, and demonstrate how this approach can reduce both physician stress and liability while supporting patients who experience a treatment-related injury.

Presented by: Michael Anderson, CPHRM, MIEC

Audience: Clinicians, practice administrators, and staff involved in resolving adverse patient events

Date: June 17, 2026

Time: 12:15 - 1:15 (MST)

All registered attendees will earn 1 CEU credit for participation and completion of this education webinar