This is a premium assistance program that makes health insurance more affordable for employees of qualified small businesses.
It provides premium assistance of up to $100 per month per person to qualified employees, their spouses, and their minor children, with a maximum premium assistance of $500 per month, per family.
Access to Health Insurance is not a health insurance plan; it is a way to help pay for health insurance.
How did this program get started?
In the spring of 2003, the Idaho Legislature passed House Bill 376. This bill directs the Department of Health and Welfare to design and implement programs to improve the health of Idahoans by decreasing the number of uninsured Idaho citizens.
The target is to reach uninsured children and adults living in families whose income is at or below 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).
The Department of Health and Welfare implemented the Access to Health Insurance program in 2005 for 1,000 qualified adults and their minor children.
Will you keep enrollment at 1,000 adults, or will that increase?
The program is limited to 1,000 adults, which includes employees of small businesses and their spouses.
How long will this program last?
There is no specific time limit for the program. Legislation must be passed to make changes which might include changing it to a permanent program, increasing the cap for enrollment, or phasing out the program.
This site contains helpful information, including publications for you to print. If you have more questions, call the Family Medicaid Unit toll-free at: 1-866-326-2485.
Frequently Asked Questions About Access to Health InsuranceClick here to return to Access to Health Insurance.