Jordan Redman — Asked what other options were available besides ACT, including dental and policy-driven choices.
Jordan Redman — Representative Redman agreed with the prior comments, said ACT should be funded, and noted there is a bill in House Health and Welfare to fund ACT.
Sasha — Referenced as the person who may answer the Medicaid question; last name not recalled by the speaker.
Melissa Wintrow — Senator Janie Ward-Engelking is referenced in a continuous exchange about the cost of not funding the ACT program and the broader impact on the state. The discussion includes a question about the remaining cost for the current year and fiscal year 2027, followed by continued concern about the consequences of defunding the program and its effect on state costs.
Melissa Wintrow — Ms. O'Connell was asked to explain why certain items were left out of the $25 million Medicaid funding, and she responded that Idaho code limits optional Medicaid benefits, citing examples such as dental and chiropractor services.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Raises concern that JFAC received a letter from the sheriff's department supporting the program and describing the impact of its suspension.
Brooke Green — Representative Brooke Green shares a personal example to support the ACT team, describing how it repeatedly checked on a friend during a crisis and helped transport her from jail to the hospital. She uses the story to emphasize that these services are critically important for law enforcement and other responders because crisis calls are increasing and can be dangerous.
Brooke Green — Representative Green first asked for clarification about whether the ACT program was housed with Magellan and whether the move to the Magellan contract since 2024 produced any cost savings. He then shifted from questioning to advocacy, thanking Senator Cook and expressing support for finding a way to fund the ACT program. He argued that if the service is not funded, the costs will simply show up elsewhere and vulnerable individuals will suffer, and he began to illustrate that concern with a specific example.
Jim Guthrie — Senator Cook is discussed and then speaks about the revenue shortfall, suggesting possible funding sources such as driver’s training funds and MMIS interest, and noting a proposal for a 5% reduction for elected officials. The exchange ends with the committee thanking him for his comments and work on JFAC matters.
Ms. O'Connell — Ms. O'Connell explained that the ACT program was founded and housed with Magellan, then addressed questions about cost savings, saying savings likely exist because federal dollars are leveraged under the Magellan contract. She added that she had not personally run the cost-savings analysis and would follow up with the committee because exact savings are difficult to determine.
Edward Hill — Representative Green's remarks were echoed by the speaker.
Kevin Cook — Thanked for being present.
Kevin Cook — Referenced as having noted national best-practice reports showing ACT saves money in the long run.
Sasha O'Connell — Identified herself as Medicaid administrator and deputy director with the Department of Health and Welfare; explained FMAP match rates.
Jordan Redman — Asked about the difference between Medicaid expansion and traditional Medicaid, and the funding ask to restore ACT.
Kevin Cook — Introduced himself as Idaho State Senator Kevin Cook from Legislative District 32.
Kevin Cook — Stated he was not there to lobby and would provide information and costs for programs.