Department of Health and Welfare - By the Numbers
92,313
Idahoans enrolled in Medicaid Expansion
134,006
Idahoans receiving SNAP benefits
Older couple sitting under a tree in grassy field
Dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans.

News Updates

Public Health reports first heat-related deaths in 2024

The first two heat-related deaths in Idaho this year have been reported to the Division of Public Health. Both Idaho residents were over the age of 60. 

“Please stay safe if you head outdoors this summer,” said Dr. Christine Hahn, Idaho...

Board of Health and Welfare to meet June 6

The Idaho Board of Health and Welfare will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 8 a.m. MT Thursday, June 6, via Webex and in Boise.

Agenda items include introduction of incoming Director Alex Adams, remarks by Adams, and introductions for...

DHW opens new foster care facility in Payette

The Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) hosted a ribbon cutting Thursday, May 2, for a new 16-bed foster care facility in the city of Payette.

The Payette Assessment and Care Center (PACC) is a place that will provide structure, safety...

Public Notices and Meetings

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Public Notice

Idaho’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will implement new income guidelines effective July 1, 2024, that raise household income eligibility limits to help offset cost of living increases. This review and adjustment happen annually.  

To be eligible for the WIC program, an individual must be a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, a woman who has recently been pregnant, or an infant or child younger than 5 years old. In addition, the individual must live in Idaho, have a need that can be helped by WIC foods and nutrition counseling, and have a low-to-moderate income.

To be eligible based on income, an applicant’s gross income (e.g., before taxes are withheld) must fall at or below 185 percent of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. For example, under the new guidelines a family of three can earn up to $47,767 annually; under the old guidelines a family of three could have earned up to $45,991 annually.  

If you or a family member are in the categories served by WIC and currently receive Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or CHIP, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC.  

WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines
Effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025

Number of Household Members* 

1
2
3
4
5
More than 5

Maximum Annual Gross Household Income

$27,861
$37,814
$47,767
$57,720
$67,673
Call the local WIC clinic

*One pregnant woman counts as two household members

WIC provides nutritious supplemental foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, juice, beans, and peanut butter at no cost to qualified families.  

WIC services also include health screenings, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding information and support, help from registered dietitians, and referrals to other services. The average Idahoan enrolled in WIC receives approximately $67 of healthy foods per month.

Participation in WIC results in greater nutrition for Idaho families and additional profit for Idaho grocers that accept WIC transactions.  There are currently approximately 31,000 people per month receiving Idaho WIC assistance.

To apply for WIC or for more information about WIC in your area, go to signupwic.com, or call the Idaho CareLine at 211, or visit wic.dhw.idaho.gov.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.