Senate passes Idaho cystic fibrosis funding plan

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ The Senate unanimously passed a plan lawmakers hope will resolve long-term state funding for a program that helps save the lives of adult cystic fibrosis sufferers.

The vote Monday came after the chamber had previously supported a bill that would have ended funding, but which died in the House Health and Welfare Committee.

According to the resolution, the Department of Health and Welfare will develop eligibility rules, including to stop people from elsewhere from coming to Idaho to take advantage of the system.

Sixty-three adults, both insured and uninsured, now rely on Idaho to help pay for a dozen or more drugs that cost as much as $1,400 a month.

The plan, which now goes to the House, sets aside $205,000 in fiscal year 2010 for those with the illness.