Idaho Medicaid
Updated August 2026
Idaho Medicaid is administered by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW). Idaho expanded Medicaid through Proposition 2, a ballot initiative passed by voters in November 2018. Expansion took effect on January 1, 2020, making Idaho the second state after Nebraska to expand Medicaid through a citizen initiative after the legislature declined to act.
Medicaid expansion work requirements begin January 1, 2027
Starting January 1, 2027, adults covered through Idaho's Medicaid expansion group must show 80 hours a month of work, school, job training, or volunteering — or earn at least $580 a month — to keep coverage, with eligibility rechecked every 6 months. Many people are excluded or exempt, including pregnant and postpartum members, caregivers of a child 13 or younger or of a person with a disability, people with qualifying disabilities or serious health conditions, and former foster youth ages 18–25. DHW will use existing records first and contact members if more information is needed — keep your mailing address, email, and phone number current. Visit healthandwelfare.idaho.gov or log in to idalink.idaho.gov for updates.
What is Idaho Medicaid?
As of 2025, approximately 380,000 Idahoans are enrolled in Medicaid. Idaho uses a mix of managed care and fee-for-service delivery depending on the member's coverage category and geographic location. Most members in managed care areas are enrolled in plans operated by Blue Cross of Idaho or Molina Healthcare of Idaho, which contract with DHW to coordinate covered services.
Idaho manages Medicaid applications and renewals through the idalink portal at idalink.idaho.gov. Members can apply, report changes, view benefits, and complete re-evaluations (renewals) through idalink. DHW's phone line is 1-877-456-1233.
How Idaho Medicaid is delivered
Idaho uses a mix of delivery systems. Managed care covers most standard medical services for eligible adults, children, and pregnant women in regions where DHW has contracted health plans. Fee-for-service applies to members who do not live in a managed care region, to certain specialty populations, and to long-term care and behavioral health services statewide.
Idaho's behavioral health services — including mental health and substance use disorder treatment — are delivered through a separate behavioral health managed care program. DHW oversees both the physical health and behavioral health components of Idaho Medicaid.
Who qualifies for Idaho Medicaid?
Idaho Medicaid covers multiple eligibility groups. Income limits vary by group and use Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for most categories.
- Adults ages 19–64 (expansion category): at or below 138% FPL — approximately $1,732/month for a single person (2025 FPL)
- Children under 19: up to 185% FPL
- Pregnant women: up to 133% FPL (lower than most expansion states)
- Parents and caretaker relatives with dependent children
- Individuals receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Elderly individuals ages 65+ with limited income and assets
- Adults with disabilities meeting medical and financial criteria
- Former foster care youth up to age 26 who were in foster care at age 18 in Idaho
Source: Idaho DHW Medicaid eligibility information; CMS Medicaid expansion data. Figures are approximate — verify current thresholds at idalink.idaho.gov or by calling 1-877-456-1233.
Idaho's pregnant women threshold — notably lower than neighboring states
Idaho covers pregnant women at 133% FPL — the minimum required under the ACA Medicaid expansion, and lower than what most expansion states provide. By comparison, Oregon covers pregnant women at 185% FPL, Washington at 193% FPL, and Montana at 158% FPL. A pregnant woman in Idaho earning between 133% and 138% FPL may qualify under the adult expansion category instead. Women with income above 138% FPL who do not otherwise qualify for Idaho Medicaid should check the Idaho health insurance marketplace at healthcare.gov for subsidized coverage options.
Related guides
What Is Medicaid?
An overview of how the program works, who runs it, and who it covers.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →