Idaho Health Insurance Guide

Health Insurance Overview in Idaho

Idaho operates Your Health Idaho, a state-based marketplace. Idaho expanded Medicaid in 2020 after voters approved expansion through a ballot initiative in 2018 — the governor and legislature had previously resisted expansion. Idaho also allows non-ACA compliant 'state-based plans' that are not subject to all ACA requirements, creating a two-tier market.

Average Health Insurance Costs in Idaho

Marketplace Enrollment in Idaho

Idaho residents can enroll in individual and family health insurance plans through Your Health Idaho (State-Based). Open enrollment runs October 15 – December 15 (Your Health Idaho — earlier and shorter than federal).

Average Premiums by City in Idaho

Medicaid in Idaho

Idaho Medicaid expanded in 2020, covering adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level following voter approval in 2018.

Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) in Idaho

Idaho CHIP covers children under 19 in families with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty level.

What Makes Idaho Unique

Idaho's voter-approved Medicaid expansion and its parallel system of state-based health plans (that are not ACA-compliant) represent an unusual dual-market approach. The state-based plans can exclude pre-existing conditions and have benefit limitations, but are priced lower. Consumers choosing these plans should understand they do not have the same protections as ACA-compliant marketplace plans.

ACA Subsidies: What Idaho Residents Should Know

The enhanced subsidies first enacted in the American Rescue Plan expired at the end of 2025. For 2026, premium tax credits follow the original ACA rules: there is no credit above 400% (the “subsidy cliff”), and enrollees are expected to pay up to 9.96% of income toward the benchmark Silver plan. House in January 2026 but has not become law, so 2027 plans are being priced and subsidized under the same rules unless Congress acts.

Idaho’s Marketplace for 2027: Insurers, Rates, and Dates

Idaho residents enroll through Your Health Idaho. Full-price premiums rose about 10% on average for 2026, before subsidies. 8 insurers sold plans for 2026; PacificSource is leaving for 2027, so its enrollees need to choose a new plan. Proposed 2027 changes average about 12% before subsidies.

About 120,000 people enrolled for 2026. About 76% received premium tax credits, and the average net premium after credits was about $108 a month.

Open enrollment for 2027: October 15 through December 15 on Your Health Idaho — earlier and shorter than HealthCare.gov.

What’s Different About Health Coverage in Idaho

Idaho runs its own exchange with its own calendar: open enrollment starts October 15 and ends December 15, so Idahoans who wait for the national November 1 start lose two weeks. Idaho expanded Medicaid by ballot initiative (effective 2020), and applicants who appear Medicaid-eligible are referred to the state. A state reinsurance program helps hold down full-price premiums.

Tips for Choosing Health Insurance in Idaho

Idaho residents should be cautious about non-ACA-compliant state-based plans — they may not cover pre-existing conditions and can deny coverage or charge higher rates based on health status. ACA-compliant plans through Your Health Idaho provide full consumer protections. Note Idaho's shorter open enrollment period (through December 15).

• Enroll during open enrollment (October 15 – December 15 (Your Health Idaho — earlier and shorter than federal)) — missing the deadline means waiting until the next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which insurers are leaving the Idaho marketplace for 2027?

PacificSource is leaving for 2027. Enrollees with that insurer should choose a new plan during open enrollment; an automatic replacement may have a different network or drug list.

When is open enrollment in Idaho for 2027?

October 15 through December 15 on Your Health Idaho — earlier and shorter than HealthCare.gov.

How much do Idaho marketplace enrollees pay after subsidies?

In 2026 about 76% of Idaho enrollees received premium tax credits, and the average net premium was about $108 a month. There is no credit above 400% of the federal poverty level.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and program eligibility rules as of 2026. Health insurance premiums, Medicaid eligibility thresholds, marketplace options, and program rules change annually. Always verify current eligibility and enrollment options at the official Your Health Idaho (State-Based) or by contacting a certified navigator or broker. Premium figures shown are approximations before subsidies — actual net premiums depend on individual income, household size, and plan selection.