Idaho Kids Covered

Uninterrupted health coverage and quality care creates a foundation for children to grow and thrive. Research shows that when children have access to health coverage, they are more likely to succeed in school and have better health and economic outcomes as adults – creating ripple effects that benefit us all. Through data-driven policy solutions and sustained commitment to change, we can ensure EVERY Idaho Kid has the health coverage and care they need to thrive.

Idaho Kids Covered is a statewide network of health care advocates and stakeholders working to support affordable access to health coverage and care for all children in Idaho.

Idaho Kids Covered

A statewide network of health care advocates working to support affordable access to health coverage for all children in Idaho.

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Paul's Story

Paul, an Idaho four-year-old, lost Medicaid coverage this summer because of complicated bureaucratic red tape.

Kootenai County, Idaho

When Paul was one year old, he had a stroke that resulted in multiple medical needs. Paul was enrolled in Idaho’s Katie Beckett Medicaid, a program for children with disabilities and moderate household incomes.

Days before Paul was preparing for a needed surgery in August, Medicaid denied the procedure. Paul’s mother, Elizabeth, immediately sought help to fix what she assumed was a mistake. She was informed that Paul’s Medicaid was canceled because of incomplete paperwork even though she never saw reauthorization forms or notice of termination. Paul’s surgery was canceled. His weekly speech, occupational, and physical therapies were canceled. To maintain access to his critical services and medications, Paul’s family had to pay out of pocket at an incredible financial strain.

Sadly, Paul’s story is not unique. There are dozens of similar stories where – through no fault of the family – a child’s Medicaid is unexpectedly terminated due to added barriers to coverage and more complicated and confusing systems. Idaho Voices for Children is committed to addressing this crisis and is leading efforts to reverse Idaho’s sudden decline in children’s Medicaid coverage rates.