State Medicaid Waiver Directory
Find your state's Katie Beckett waiver, TEFRA pathway, HCBS programs, and Medicaid eligibility rules for children and adults with disabilities. Each guide covers waitlists, application steps, income limits, and parent caregiver pay options.
For informational purposes only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Medicaid rules, eligibility, and waitlists change frequently. Always verify with your state's official Medicaid agency before making decisions. Cross-check with Medicaid.gov's official waiver page.
Idaho
Program Overview
Overview
Idaho has a program called the Developmental Disabilities Waiver and the Children's Home and Community-Based Waiver. Idaho Medicaid also has a TEFRA option for children with disabilities.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
Yes. Idaho recognizes a TEFRA option for disabled children, which can allow Medicaid eligibility based on the child's own income and resources.
Child-relevant waivers
The Children's Home and Community-Based Services Waiver is the most directly child-focused. Idaho also has a DD Waiver. For adults with physical disabilities or chronic illness who need nursing-facility level of care, Idaho's Aged and Disabled Waiver is the primary adult HCBS program. It covers personal care, home health aide, adult day health, homemaker services, and other community supports.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
Children with significant disabilities who meet level-of-care criteria and Medicaid financial requirements may be eligible.
Financial and income rules
Under the TEFRA option, parental income is not counted for the child's Medicaid eligibility.
Level of care
Institutional level of care is required. Idaho uses level-of-care screening tools.
Age rules
TEFRA serves children under 19. Children's HCBS Waiver has specific age rules.
Getting Started
How to apply
Contact Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for Medicaid and waiver applications.
Documents needed
Medical records, physician documentation, level-of-care screening, and financial information are typically needed.
Waitlist information
Idaho's DD Waiver has had waitlist periods. Confirm current status with Idaho DHW.
Practical next step
Contact Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and ask about TEFRA for children and the Children's HCBS Waiver. For non-Medicaid supports, contact Idaho VR or IPUL.
Services & Support
Services available
Waiver services can include in-home support, habilitation, respite, skilled nursing, and community inclusion supports.
Parent caregiver pay
Idaho approved a paid parent caregiver program in 2023 allowing spouses and parents of minor children to be reimbursed for personal care services, but CMS approved the state's request to end the program as of July 2025. Parents who are nurses can still be paid to provide care for their own children. Contact Idaho Medicaid about current options, as this area has changed recently.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP — idahoat.org) — free short-term equipment loans, demonstrations, device reuse programs, and low-interest financing to purchase AT. Available statewide.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
Idaho Medicaid covers outpatient mental health services, psychiatric evaluations, therapy, medication management, and crisis stabilization. The Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) within IDHW oversees public mental health services. Community behavioral health centers provide most direct services. Children can access mental health services through the EPSDT benefit and school-based mental health programs. Idaho has expanded telehealth mental health services, especially for rural areas.
Additional notes
When contacting Idaho DHW, ask specifically about both the TEFRA option and the Children's HCBS Waiver to make sure the right pathway is identified for your child's situation.
State-Specific Resources
Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (IDVR) — Employment Services
Idaho VR (vr.idaho.gov) provides vocational counseling and rehabilitation services to eligible individuals with disabilities to prepare for, enter into, maintain, and advance in employment. Services include job training, assistive technology, job placement, and transition services for youth ages 14+. Services are free and available statewide.
Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP) — Device Loans & Low-Interest Loans
IATP (idahoat.org) provides free short-term equipment loans for trial, hands-on demonstrations, device reuse programs, and the Idaho Assistive Technology Financing Program — low-interest loans to purchase AT. Idaho Assistive Technology for All also offers a lending library for device trials.
Idaho Parents Unlimited (IPUL) — Family Advocacy & Education
IPUL (ipulidaho.org) supports, educates, and advocates for families of children and youth with disabilities. Services include parent training, information, special education advocacy, early intervention guidance, and support for transition planning. Phone: 1-800-626-4910.
Idaho Early Intervention (Birth to Age 3)
Idaho's early intervention services serve families with children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Services are provided in homes and communities and are family-focused. Referrals can be made by anyone through local Children's Developmental Disability Agencies (DDAs) or healthcare providers.
Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) — Resources & Advocacy
ICDD (icdd.idaho.gov) provides advocacy and resources for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, helping them achieve self-determination, independence, and community participation.
Disability Rights Idaho — Legal Advocacy & P&A
Disability Rights Idaho (disabilityrightsidaho.org) is the state's Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency, providing free legal services, advocacy, and information on disability rights, education rights, employment issues, and abuse/neglect.
Sources
Community Tips & Experience
Comments reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individual community members only. They do not represent the views, positions, or endorsements of National Disability Resource Project or any of its staff, volunteers, or affiliated members. Always verify information with official agencies and qualified professionals before making decisions.
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