Idaho currently has one program that serves children, a TEFRA/Katie Beckett program. It waives parent income and is open to children of all incomes. For children already in Medicaid, Idaho’s enhanced plan includes home and community based services through the regular state plan without the need to enroll in a waiver. The two previous children’s waivers have been terminated. General information about developmental disabilities in Idaho can be be found on the Children’s DD Services page.

Idaho is in the process of moving services for youth under age 18 with emotional disturbance currently in the YES program to its Behavioral Health Transformation Demonstration waiver. We will provide more details when they become available.

Idaho Advocacy Organizations:

Last updated 12/19/25

Programs in Idaho

Also called Home Care for Certain Disabled Children or Katie Beckett

  • Target Population: Children who would otherwise require care in an institution with any type of disability, including medical, developmental, intellectual, or psychiatric conditions.
  • Ages: 0-18
  • Levels of Care: Intermediate Care Facility, Nursing Facility, Hospital
  • Income Waiver: Yes, the program is based on the child’s income only. Parent income is not counted. However, in 2010 Idaho began charging families a monthly premium based on their income, up to 5% of their income. Due to both state and federal rules, this payment is considered voluntary. Services cannot be stopped if you do not pay. See p. 19 of this document.
  • Program Type: TEFRA
  • Spots: unlimited
  • Expiration Date: NA
  • Description: Provides Medicaid coverage only.
  • Online State Information: Katie Beckett program
  • How to Apply: Follow this instructions on this page. Call 208-258-7980 for help or visit your local office.
  • Waiting List: none

Additional Information

  • Idaho allows parents who are nurses to be paid for providing care to their own children.
  • As of July 2025, Idaho’s paid parent program has ended. See this article for more information. Previously, Idaho received approval in 2023 to allow spouses and parents of minor children to be reimbursed for providing personal care services to eligible individuals, but CMS approved Idaho’s request to end this program.