How to Renew Idaho Medicaid
Updated August 2026
Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) uses the term "re-evaluation" for Medicaid renewal. Re-evaluations occur every 12 months. DHW first attempts an ex parte review — checking electronic data sources including Social Security records, wage data, and IRS information to verify your continued eligibility without requiring you to take action. If ex parte verification confirms eligibility, DHW renews coverage and sends you a notice.
12 months
Re-evaluation (renewal) cycle
idalink
Renew online at idalink.idaho.gov
10 days
Deadline to report changes
Keep your idalink contact information current — renewal notices depend on it
Idaho DHW sends renewal notices and requests for documentation to the contact information in your idalink account at idalink.idaho.gov. If your address, phone number, or email has changed, update it immediately. Missing a renewal notice is the most common preventable reason Idaho Medicaid members lose coverage. Call DHW at 1-877-456-1233 if you need help updating your information.
How Idaho Medicaid re-evaluation (renewal) works
When electronic data is insufficient, DHW sends a re-evaluation packet asking you to confirm your current information and submit any needed documents. You must respond by the deadline on the notice — generally within 30 days.
How to complete your re-evaluation
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1
Log in to idalink and check for re-evaluation notices
Go to idalink.idaho.gov and review your benefit status and any alerts. DHW sends re-evaluation notices to the email and mailing address on file — keep both current to avoid missed notices.
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2
Review and update your information
Confirm your current address, income, household composition, and employment status. Report any changes since your last re-evaluation — changes can affect which eligibility category you qualify under or the benefit level.
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3
Provide documentation if DHW requests it
If income or other information cannot be confirmed electronically, DHW may ask for pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of Idaho residency. Upload through idalink or mail to your local DHW office.
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4
Submit your re-evaluation by the deadline
Complete your re-evaluation through idalink, by calling 1-877-456-1233, or in person at a DHW office. The notice will specify the deadline — act promptly to avoid coverage gaps.
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5
Confirm your coverage and health plan
After DHW processes your re-evaluation, verify your coverage is active in idalink and that your managed care plan information is current. Contact your plan if you notice any discrepancies.
Documents that may be needed
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
- Prior year tax return or self-employment income records
- Social Security or SSI award letter
- Proof of Idaho residency (utility bill, lease agreement, official mail)
- Immigration documents if status has changed
- Updated household information if the composition of your household changed
Changes to report during the year
Idaho DHW requires members to report significant changes in income, household size, or residency promptly — within 10 days of the change. Reporting changes through idalink or by calling 1-877-456-1233 keeps your case accurate and can prevent eligibility errors that only surface at re-evaluation time, rather than waiting for the next re-evaluation cycle.
If Idaho Medicaid coverage is terminated or denied
If DHW terminates your Medicaid coverage and you believe you remain eligible, you have the right to request a fair hearing. Request a hearing within 30 days of the termination notice. If you request a hearing before the coverage end date, Idaho may continue your coverage while the appeal is pending.
A denial notice must state the reason in writing and explain your right to appeal. You have 90 days from the date of the notice to request a fair hearing on a denial. Common denial reasons include income above the threshold, failure to respond to the re-evaluation packet, a change in household size that affects eligibility, or immigration status questions. Contact Idaho Medicaid promptly within the applicable window — a reconsideration or new application filed quickly can often restore coverage retroactively to the date it was lost.
Keeping your account information up to date
The most effective way to avoid renewal problems is to report changes promptly rather than waiting for your next re-evaluation. Idaho Medicaid was affected by the 2023–2024 post-pandemic "unwinding," when states resumed normal eligibility checks after the COVID-19 continuous enrollment pause ended, and some members lost coverage due to outdated addresses rather than actual ineligibility. If you lost Idaho Medicaid during that period without receiving a renewal notice, you may still be eligible — contact Idaho Medicaid to reapply.
Idaho Medicaid
- Renew online: idalink.idaho.gov
- DHW phone: 1-877-456-1233
- Medicaid info: healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/medicaid