Idaho’s slash and burning of Medicaid continues.  The latest cuts are taking away $34 million in state funding.

Idaho began their destruction of Medicaid services last year.  By October of 2010 a total of $105 million in state and federal cuts hit Idaho’s Medicaid program.

Some Idaho dentists say they are providing free services, out of sympathy for patients who’re being denied needed services, because of Idaho’s cuts.  Idaho lawmakers claim the cuts to the Medicaid dental program do not affect “necessary” dental services, but, dentists point out that many of the treatments being hit by funding cuts actually prevent more serious conditions, and would be more cost effective.

On top of that Idaho is now limiting providers, in some cases only one provider is allowed.  This has resulted in a lawsuit, brought by two disabled men and their families.  It could turn into a class action suit.

The new Idaho rules actually violate federal laws which protect a patient’s right to choose which provider they want.