Idaho Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

What is Idaho Medicaid?

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.

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.

Idaho Medicaid topics

What does Idaho Medicaid cover?

Medicaid covers a broad range of health services. Federal law mandates certain benefits — inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, lab work, X-rays, and nursing facility services, among others. States add optional services on top of those. Dental, vision, and long-term home care coverage vary by state.

The national benefits overview lists required and commonly optional services. Check the Idaho Medicaid website for the current state-specific benefit package.

How to apply

Most people can apply online through Idaho's Medicaid portal, by phone, or in person at a local eligibility office. The how to apply page walks through each method, what documents you'll need, and what to expect during the review period.

Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most standard Medicaid applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications). Idaho must follow that federal timeline.