Idaho Kids Covered has produced a set of recommendations for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) to support children’s access and enrollment in Idaho Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs. In September 2023, IDHW completed redeterminations for Idahoans enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP following the end of the continuous coverage provision (known as ‘unwinding’). Of all Idahoans disenrolled during the unwinding, 74% were terminated for procedural reasons. Many of the children disenrolled from Medicaid and CHIP are very likely still eligible for coverage.

As we near the one-year mark from when Idaho completed renewals, focus should
be on ensuring eligible children get covered and stay covered. The following
recommendations propose strategies IDHW can pursue to improve efficiencies,
reduce costs, and strengthen eligible children’s access to Medicaid and CHIP.