BOISE, ID – An attempt by Idaho lawmakers to opt out of federal healthcare reform could cost the state more than $1 billion in matching federal healthcare funds and thousands of jobs.

As the Idaho Health Freedom Act moves closer to a vote by the Idaho House, the AARP is urging lawmakers to consider the long-term consequences of the bill and put the brakes on the measure.

"The Health Freedom Act fails to look at the long-term and unintended consequences of opting out of any type of healthcare reform at the national level, and that could devastate Idaho's healthcare system," said Jim Wordelman, state director for the AARP in Idaho. "If approved by the legislature, this act could cost Idaho money and jobs at the worst possible time. We can't afford to take that risk."

The IHFA, cosponsored by State Reps. Jim Clark, Lynn Luker and Raul Labrador, seeks to prohibit the government from requiring people to carry health insurance. The act's intent would be to nullify any type of proposed federal healthcare legislation.

According to the AARP, passage of the bill could cause Idaho to lose $1.26 billion in federal matching funds for Medicaid and $36 million for the Children's Health Insurance Program. State healthcare jobs would also be in jeopardy, the group said.

"AARP stands in strong opposition to this measure. It's a bad idea in a good economy – in a bad economy, it's a horrific idea that could prevent Idahoans from getting the care they need and worsen our state's budget crisis," said Wordelman. "This act takes aim at a federal law that doesn't even exist, and may end up being very different from current legislation. This achieves very little benefit to Idaho, but the problems it can deliver are vast and harsh."

Similar legislation was defeated in six states last year. This year, measures have been introduced in about 25 states.

Idaho currently requires all full-time students at state colleges and universities to carry health insurance or face disenrollment. This mandate would be counter to the IHFA.

If Congress passes health reform, the IHFA might prevent Idaho lawmakers from fully participating in available state options and determining what policies to put in place.

“IHFA raises too many unanswered questions and holds too many unintended consequences,” the AARP said. “In Idaho's struggling economy, our businesses and families can't afford to take a gamble on an unproven and potentially dangerous idea.”