Idaho CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program

Last verified: June 2026

Informational overview of Idaho CHIP

For current eligibility thresholds and enrollment, visit https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/medicaid. CHIP and Medicaid applications are processed together in most states — apply once and both programs are considered.

Idaho does not operate a separate CHIP program — children are covered through Medicaid up to 185% FPL

Unlike many states that operate a distinctly named Children's Health Insurance Program, Idaho covers most uninsured children under 19 through Medicaid up to 185% FPL. There is no separately branded Idaho CHIP product for most children — the same application at idalink.idaho.gov determines all children's Medicaid eligibility. Call DHW at 1-877-456-1233 for questions.

How Idaho covers children: Medicaid up to 185% FPL

Most states use federal CHIP funds to extend children's coverage above the Medicaid limit under a separately named program (KidsCare in Arizona, Kids Connection in Nebraska, WVCHIP in West Virginia). Idaho takes a different approach — it uses CHIP funds to extend Medicaid eligibility for children rather than creating a separate program with a distinct name and benefit structure.

The practical effect: a child in Idaho with family income up to 185% FPL applies through the same idalink portal, with the same eligibility rules, and receives the same Medicaid benefits — there is no premium or additional cost-sharing tier that would apply under a traditional CHIP structure in the lower-income range. Children above 185% FPL do not have an Idaho-specific coverage pathway at that income level; their families should check the federal health insurance marketplace at healthcare.gov for subsidized plan options.

Who qualifies for Idaho children's Medicaid coverage

Child must be under age 19
Household income at or below 185% FPL — approximately $2,322/month for a household of 1 under 2025 guidelines
Child must be an Idaho resident
Child must be a U.S. citizen, national, or qualified non-citizen
Child must not already have other creditable health insurance coverage
Former foster care youth who were in Idaho foster care at age 18 are covered up to age 26

Source: Idaho DHW Medicaid eligibility policy; 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.

What Idaho Medicaid covers for children

Idaho Medicaid covers comprehensive health services for children under the federal EPSDT mandate, which requires states to cover all medically necessary services for enrollees under 21 — broader than what adult Medicaid typically covers in Idaho.

Well-child visits and immunizations (on the ACIP schedule)
Primary care visits and specialist referrals
Prescription drugs
Emergency and urgent care
Inpatient hospital care
Mental health and substance use disorder services
Comprehensive dental care (full EPSDT scope)
Vision care and eyeglasses
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Home health and nursing services when medically necessary

How to apply for children's Idaho Medicaid

Apply for children's Medicaid through idalink at idalink.idaho.gov. Select "Medicaid" when you choose the program and complete the application for the child or children in your household. There is no separate application for CHIP — the same application covers all children's Medicaid coverage.

You can also apply by calling DHW at 1-877-456-1233 or visiting a local DHW office. Applications are processed within 45 days under federal rules (42 CFR 435.912).

Apply even if a parent is undocumented

Eligible children can apply for Idaho Medicaid regardless of their parents' immigration status. Parents do not need to provide their own Social Security numbers or immigration documents when applying only for a child's coverage. This is standard federal Medicaid and CHIP policy.

What CHIP is

CHIP — the Children's Health Insurance Program — is a federal-state partnership that covers children in families whose income is too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. Congress created CHIP in 1997 under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. Like Medicaid, CHIP is jointly funded by the federal government and each state, and each state administers its own program.

CHIP serves children up to age 19 (some states cover to 21 for children in foster care). It is not available to adults — CHIP is specifically designed to address the coverage gap for children in working families.

Nationally, CHIP covers approximately 7 million children, according to CMS data. In most states, it is a seamless part of the broader children's health coverage system alongside Medicaid.

What CHIP covers

Federal law requires CHIP to cover certain core benefits. States may add to the list. Standard CHIP coverage includes:

Doctor visits, including well-child checkups and sick visits
Hospital care — inpatient and outpatient
Emergency room and urgent care services
Prescription drug coverage
Mental health and substance use disorder services
Dental care — preventive and restorative
Vision care, including eye exams and glasses
Laboratory and imaging services
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Medical equipment, such as wheelchairs or hearing aids when medically necessary

How to apply for Idaho CHIP

Apply through Idaho Medicaid — the same application covers both Medicaid and CHIP. Online applications are typically fastest and allow document uploads. You can also apply by phone or in person at a local eligibility office.

See the how to apply page for the complete application process, required documents, and what to expect during review.

CHIP and Medicaid income ranges overlap — apply regardless

If you're not sure whether your child qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, apply anyway. The eligibility system determines which program applies based on your income. A child who earns out of Medicaid may qualify for CHIP, and vice versa. Don't let uncertainty about which program applies prevent you from applying.