ITD Website Upgrade To Cut Down DMV Wait Times
Idahoans needing to renew their driver’s license, identification card or vehicle license plate can now skip the line by going online through a new website called Drive Idaho.
“Our new online services page, Drive Idaho, brings all of the new and existing DMVs’ online services into one, easy-to-navigate page,” Division of Motor Vehicles Administrator Alberto Gonzalez said. “Qualified Idahoans can now skip the line at the county sheriffs’ and assessors’ offices by going online for DMV services.”
Here is a complete list of online services:
• Renew their driver’s license or ID
• Purchase a replacement driver’s license or ID
• Check the status of their driving privileges
• Pay reinstatement fees
• Update an address
• Renew a vehicle license plate
• Order personalized license plates
• Check the status of a vehicle license plate or title, and
• Other DMV services
Beginning July 1, two new online services will be added to the website for commercial truck registrations and oversize/overweight trip permits.
“Not only will online services at the Drive Idaho website be convenient, but it will reduce lines at the county offices for those who choose or are required to go there for DMV services,” Gonzalez said.
Idahoans can access the DMV Drive Idaho online services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays, at: itd.idaho.gov/DriveIdaho
Hailey Woman Involved In I-84 Head-On
On Thursday, May 30, at 12:13 p.m., Idaho State Police investigated a two-vehicle crash on US93 at milepost 53.5 near the Flying J truck stop.
Cindy Leonard, 70, of Hailey, was driving a 1998 Honda CR-V north on US-93 approaching the traffic light for the I-84 westbound on and off ramps. Leonard failed to yield to the red light and collided with a 2015 GMC Sierra driven by Franklin Bowen, 58, of Burley.
Leonard and Bowen were transported to St. Luke’s hospital in Twin Falls. All occupants were wearing seatbelts. The southbound lanes of US-93 were blocked for about two hours. Idaho State Police was assisted by Jerome Rural Fire, Jerome County Sheriff, and Magic Valley Paramedics.
Yet Another Accident At Blinking Light
On Friday, May 31, at approximately 3:37 p.m., a two-vehicle crash occurred at the junction of State Highway 75 and U.S. Highway 20 near the Timmerman Rest Area in southern Blaine County.
Crash scene investigation by Blaine County Sheriff’s Office deputies indicates that Taylor L. Noles, age 23, of Idaho Falls, was traveling west on Highway 20 in a 2018 black Ford Escape. Noles failed to yield at the stop sign and collided with Patricia A. Williams, age 80, of Hailey, who was driving northbound on Highway 75 in a 2003 gold Chrysler PT Cruiser with two minor children.
All of the occupants were transported to St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center in Ketchum to be evaluated for minor injuries. Both vehicles suffered significant damage and were towed from the scene. Noles was issued a citation for Failure to Yield the Right of Way at a Stop Sign. All occupants involved in the crash were wearing seatbelts.
State Insurance Regulators Warn Against Robocalls Offering Health Insurance
The Idaho Department of Insurance is warning Idahoans to be aware of the surge in robocalls and other scams relating to health insurance products.
Most people have experienced unexpected robocalls offering a product or service. Idahoans should be wary of promises made from unsolicited callers selling health insurance. Often, these calls come from telemarketing centers and give incomplete information, trying to pass off very limited coverage as comprehensive health insurance.
“The quantity of robocalls is alarming, and the Department is warning Idahoans to be wary of any promises of cheap and comprehensive health insurance sold over the phone,” said Dean L. Cameron, director of the Idaho Department of Insurance. “Ask for the agent’s Idaho license number and ask to see the insurance contract in writing before paying.”
A few tips for when telemarketers call or browsing the Internet for health insurance plans:
Never make a decision to buy a health policy after a single phone call or website visit.
Never give any personal information (i.e., Social Security number) to an unknown caller.
Never purchase insurance from a call or website that won’t let you review the health insurance policy in writing first.
Idahoans can always check with the Idaho Department of Insurance or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for information about the company or agent. It’s always good to ask for the information to be sent to you through the mail. Remember, there is no such thing as a limited time offer or a “special” in health insurance. Take your time to make sure the policy is as described. Legitimate insurance companies and agents won’t rush you to make a decision.
Public Hearing On Myrtle Street Project Slated For June 10
The City of Hailey will hold a public hearing regarding the Myrtle Street Connector bicycle and pedestrian path. The hearing will include a project review, including changes to a retaining wall. It takes place at 5:30 p.m. on June 10 inside Hailey City Hall.
Public comments will be accepted at the meeting as well as via email at tracy.anderson@haileycityhall.org.
Weather Challenges Impact Sun Valley Road Work
The second year of the Sun Valley Road and Path Bond Program is under way. Wet weather affected construction last week as the contractor continues to focus on the Elkhorn Road and Pathway and prepares to start on Juniper. The project work includes: rehabilitation and paving of the roadway and bike path, raising and lowering of manholes, new curb and gutter, culverts, and ADA accessibility improvements.
Traffic Updates
• Elkhorn Road will continue to remain closed to thru traffic from Skyline Drive to South Village Way during construction activities.
• Access on Elkhorn Road will remain open at all times for local traffic. Thru traffic will be detoured to Village Way.
• The bike path is closed from Skyline Drive to South Village. Pedestrians and cyclists should use the Village Way bike path as a detour route.
• Flaggers will be on Juniper Road directing traffic around construction areas. Juniper Road will remain open to all traffic.
What to Expect
• Work is anticipated to occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Night work and weekend work is not expected.
• Work will include, but not be limited to, general construction noise, dust, equipment backup alarms, and ground vibration.
• Access to residences will remain open at all times, although access points are likely to change to accommodate construction.
Looking Ahead
• Wet conditions have slowed preparations for new curb and gutter installations.
• The contractor has completed all culvert installations on Elkhorn Road.
•Improvements on Juniper Road are scheduled this week.
After improvements on Juniper Road are completed, the contractor will begin work on Parker Gulch Road, Defiance Street, Keystone Street, and Independence Creek Road. The contractor will return to the Twin Creek area at a later time when soils have dried out to complete remaining road work.
You Can Weigh In On Medicare
The Idaho Department of Insurance is requesting public comment regarding the so-called Coverage Choice Waiver. The purpose of the waiver would allow Idahoans with incomes from 100 percent to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level the choice to continue receiving tax credits to reduce premiums for private health insurance, or alternatively to enroll in Medicaid.
The proposed effective date for the waiver is January 1, 2020. The department plans to submit the waiver application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and to the United States Department of the Treasury on or about July 15.
In November 2018, voters passed a proposition to expand Medicaid eligibility to individuals with poverty-level incomes. The Idaho Legislature then passed SB1204aa, instructing the Department of Health and Welfare and the Department of Insurance to seek the Coverage Choice Waiver. Without the waiver, individuals who are eligible for Medicaid cannot qualify for the premium tax credit.
The department’s comprehensive public notice, tribal notice and the waiver application are available at doi.idaho.gov/publicinformation/publiccomments.
