Idaho welfare drug tests likely not cost effective

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A Department of Health and Welfare study concludes federal regulations forbid Idaho from requiring drug tests for recipients of Medicaid, food stamps and other big welfare programs.

For two small programs where testing wouldn't be illegal — child care and temporary cash assistance for families that help 10,500 people — the agency says the cost of the tests, treatment and potential litigation would likely consume prospective savings.

Republican lawmakers demanded the study last March, saying their constituents considered it unfair that some Idahoans are drug tested by their employers while those on public assistance are not.

Proponents wanted to see if savings from booting offenders from public assistance would pay off.

Arizona, Minnesota and Wisconsin have testing programs now, but Michigan's was struck down a decade ago by the courts.