Changes are coming to Medicaid in 2027, making now a good time for Idahoans who receive public assistance to become familiar with Idalink, the Department of Health and Welfare’s online benefits portal.
Beginning Jan. 1, some Idahoans enrolled through Medicaid expansion will be required to meet new work or community engagement requirements to maintain coverage. DHW will begin reviewing the requirements as affected participants reach their renewal dates. Participants should make sure their contact information is current, watch for notices from DHW, and be prepared to provide information when requested.
Idalink can help with this and a lot more.
This secure, online portal allows Idahoans to manage Medicaid, food, cash, and childcare assistance from a computer or mobile device. Medicaid customers can apply for coverage, complete re-evaluations, view benefits, report changes, and provide requested information. Food, cash, and childcare assistance customers can also view benefits and report changes.
Getting started with Idalink
Creating an Idalink account requires some basic information, including your legal name, date of birth, and email address. When applying for benefits, it helps to gather information before you begin. Depending on the program, you may need identification, household income information, housing costs, monthly expenses, and other information about members of your household.
For Medicaid applications, having that information ready can make the process considerably faster. An online Medicaid application may take as little as 20 minutes, depending on household size and whether the necessary information is available.
Submit documents and report changes online
Idalink also provides a way to submit verification documents electronically. After documents are successfully submitted, customers receive an email confirmation and can view their submission history. Keep the original documents for your records because Idalink does not retain uploaded attachments.
Keeping information current is particularly important as the new Medicaid requirements take effect. Medicaid customers should report changes that may affect eligibility, including changes in income, address, work status, and household size. Idalink includes a “Report Changes” function for providing updated information.
Online self-service does not replace every interaction with DHW. Customers should continue to watch their mail, email, and text alerts and respond promptly when the department requests information.
But Idalink gives Idahoans another way to take care of routine benefit business on their own schedule. That can mean fewer trips to a DHW office or calls for tasks that can be completed online, while allowing department staff to focus more time on customers and cases that need individual assistance.
Resources:
- Log in to or create an Idalink account
- Learn about Medicaid expansion changes coming in 2027
- Learn how to apply for Medicaid
- Learn how to report a change in Idalink
- Get help using Idalink
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.
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