Tag Archives: Idaho

Seven More States Gain Approval for Exchanges

California was not the only state to gain approval for its health insurance exchange today. There were seven other states who also got their exchanges approved by the federal government. This brings the total up to 20! The Affordable Care Act is great big health reform law that has many parts. One requirement is that all states will have a health insurance exchange that is functional and accessible by January 1, 2014. Although the Affordable Care Act was signed in 2010, it is only recently that some states have completed the appropriate work involved to have their exchanges approved by … Continue reading →

Idaho Chooses a State-Based Insurance Exchange

Yet another state has selected to have a state-based health insurance exchange. Surprisingly, the state is Idaho, which has a Republican governor and was among the states that sued to overturn the Affordable Care Act. Idaho’s plans for the state-based exchange have yet to be approved. The relationship between the Affordable Care Act and the state of Idaho has been contentious. Idaho was among the 26 states that were plaintiffs in the case heard by the Supreme Court in March of 2012 regarding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. The governor of Idaho is Butch Otter. He is a … Continue reading →

Summer Travel Tidbits—In Search of Slopes, Surf and Suitcase Rebates

SKI/SURF And here I thought the Big Island of Hawaii was the only place in the United States where you could surf and ski in the same afternoon. Travelers to Kellogg, Idaho know better. Last weekend visitors to the city’s newest addition—-the Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark–had the rare opportunity to ski and surf when the end of the ski season (June 1st) overlapped with the opening of surf season (May 30th). Okay, it’s not quite as natural as the ski and surf option Hawaii offers, but Idaho’s version was big enough to make headlines in that neck of the woods. … Continue reading →

Ski Deals Too Good To Ignore

I just got back from spending several weeks in Hawaii (where it was sunny and 84 degrees all but two days during our entire trip) and the last thing I want to do right now is strap on a pair of skis and spend time in the bone chilling cold. However, according to my brother this is the best time of the year to head off on a ski vacation especially if you are salary is not as lofty as the most popular ski hills. He’s right. I found several incredibly affordable ski deals that are still available—despite the fact … Continue reading →

More Ski Resorts with Bonus Amenities

In my previous blog I touched on an issue many large families deal with when deciding where to take the entire clan on vacation–—finding a spot where everyone’s needs are met. It’s not always an easy task, especially in the winter when half your family might be dreaming of jetting off to a tropical locale while the other half is looking forward to shooshing down the slopes on fresh powder. If you have been reading my blogs on a regular basis then you know that a number of ski resorts are offering outstanding deals this month and next. If you … Continue reading →

Are You Planning to Visit Idaho or Virginia?

Who says there’s nothing to do in the state of Idaho? If the idea of propelling your body through the air at 55 mph 3,000 feet up gets your adrenaline flowing then you should be booking a trip to the “The Gem State” right now. That’s what the owner of a new motorized zipline is hoping you’ll do once word gets out that visitors can fly like a bird near the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls. The adventure ride is part of a proposed thrill park. The new zipline is called the Flight Stimulator and is part of the … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Idaho & Utah

Our series on marriage laws continues with stops in Idaho and Utah. I’ve had friends in Idaho for years, but I’ve never been to the state. So let’s take a look at the marriage laws governing these states. Idaho There are two interesting things about Idaho marriage licenses. The first is that they do not expire. The second is that Idaho requires the couple to read and sign a premarital educational pamphlet on AIDS. As for the rest of the laws governing marriage licenses, Idaho has pretty standard fair. You need to provide a birth certificate, a driver’s license and … Continue reading →

Visiting Hells Canyon

With a name like Hells Canyon it’s hard to believe anything good can come from a trip there. But, don’t let the name fool you. If you are narrowing down your choices for a family-friendly spring break travel destination don’t rule out Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The park encompasses more than 652,000 acres, which hug the borders of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho. The vast stretches of natural beauty can be explored on foot, on horseback, or by boat. The latter being one of the most popular—after all, Hells Canyon is home to the famous Snake River. The waterway … Continue reading →