Freedom Foundation President Ronald Nate offers his Opinion Podcast Notes by Bob Neugebauer In a landmark development for Idaho education policy, Governor Brad Little signed into law the state’s first significant school choice legislation last week, marking what many conservatives are calling a historic achievement for education freedom in the Gem State. Meanwhile, controversy continues […]
A Conversation with IFF President Ron Nate & Tea Party Bob Podcast Notes by Bob Neugebauer In a recent episode of my Idaho Pulse podcast, I spoke with Idaho Freedom Foundation President Ron Nate about a range of legislative proposals and spending bills currently under debate in the Idaho State Capitol. Throughout our conversation, we […]
A Conversation with Dr. John Livingston & Tea Party Bob Podcast Notes by Bob Neugebauer During a recent episode of my Idaho Pulse podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. John Livingston, a seasoned medical professional who has worked both in military and civilian practice. Our discussion focused on the intricacies of Medicaid […]
After the last legislative session, a special task force was convened to explore how to save money in the Idaho Medicaid program. There are only three ways to save money in the Medicaid program: reduce the number of people on Medicaid, provide people with fewer services, and reduce payments to providers. After the 2024 session […]
A Conversation with Ron Nate & Tea Party Bob Podcast Notes by Bob Neugebauer Fiscal Reforms Face Federal Constraints Idaho legislators are advancing ambitious fiscal reforms amid growing concerns about federal dependency and ballooning state expenses, with particular focus on Medicaid expansion costs and tax relief measures totaling over $400 million. However, the state’s ability […]
Since Covid, States including Idaho have used accounting gimmicks to “scam” Federal Medicaid Dollars into programs like food stamps—The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and housing subsidies. In an Editorial in today’s Wall Street Journal, by simply returning Medicaid spending to pre Covid levels adjusted for inflation over $1.4 trillion in savings could be realized […]
Ten years ago, we were told “you can keep your doctor you can keep your plan” and Medicaid expansion will improve “access—quality-and cost” for everyone including those businesses that insure their employees and those individuals and families who insure themselves. Just ask patients in the Treasure Valley about how hard it is to keep your […]
The most powerful lobbying agency in Idaho is unknown to most Idaho voters. This organization wields enormous power and influence over every state elected official. How do we know this? None of them will openly criticize, or even talk about it. In 1974 the Idaho State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Idaho […]
Medicaid Expansion has been a dismal failure and as we predicted ten years ago the people most adversely impacted have been the people that Medicaid was originally designed to help. These are people living on the margins with chronic diseases who through no fault of their own cannot provide for their own medical care. I […]
I am John Livingston and I have practiced surgery and medicine in Idaho and the Military for over 47 years. On July 1st I retired from the practice of Medicine and surgery. I am Board certified in Internal Medicine and General Surgery. I was appointed and served on The YHI Health Insurance Exchange Board for […]
It was back in 2015 that we along with the Idaho Freedom Foundation warned Idahoans about the problems with containing costs if Medicaid Expansion was approved in our state. It was eventually passed by referendum and is now chewing up tax dollars beyond belief. Why are we subsidizing those who are capable of paying for […]
Everything is getting bigger. In my profession, the doctor-patient relationship has been all but destroyed by “vertical and horizontal integration” with hospital systems buying up medical practices and then employing physicians and physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Then the hospital systems are bought up by insurance companies or vice versa, and then the mega company […]