Idaho Health Insurance: 2026 Plans, Costs & Enrollment Guide
Idaho residents can choose health coverage from eight carriers on Your Health Idaho — the state’s own marketplace — plus Medicaid for lower-income households and off-exchange options for those who don’t qualify for subsidies. This guide walks through the main 2026 paths to coverage, what plans cost across the state, and how Idaho’s reinsurance program keeps premiums lower than most of the country.
What brings you here today?
Why Idaho Health Insurance Premiums Are Lower Than Most States
Idaho runs a state reinsurance program that reduced 2026 individual market premiums by approximately 18% — saving the average enrollee roughly $70–$100 per month. The program covers a portion of high-cost claims so insurers don’t pass them on to every policyholder. Idaho’s premiums are the 6th lowest in the country, and the 2026 average rate increase is 10% — less than half the national average.
A small number of Idahoans with very expensive medical conditions drive up costs for everyone in the individual market — typically the top 5% of claimants account for more than half of total costs. The Idaho High Risk Reinsurance Pool steps in to cover a portion of those high-cost claims so insurers don’t pass the full expense on to every customer’s monthly premium. Idaho’s reinsurance program is funded through approximately $23 million in state premium tax revenue annually plus federal pass-through dollars under the 1332 waiver approved by HHS on August 16, 2022.
Idaho is one of 19 states with a reinsurance program, but Idaho’s version is structured differently than most. Where other states reimburse insurers for any claim above a dollar threshold, Idaho also identifies specific high-cost medical conditions and covers those directly. This approach, approved by the federal government in 2022, has delivered consistent savings — 12% in 2023, 16% in 2024, 20% in 2025, and 18% in 2026.
Waiver timeline
Idaho’s current 1332 waiver runs from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2027. The state has submitted an extension and amendment application that would continue the reinsurance program through 2031 and add a “Covered Choice” component allowing certain Medicaid-eligible Idahoans to opt for marketplace coverage instead.
Your Health Idaho: The State Health Insurance Marketplace
Your Health Idaho is the state’s official health insurance exchange — the only place Idahoans can receive premium tax credits to reduce monthly costs. For 2026, the exchange offers 154 medical and 21 dental plans across 8 carriers. Approximately 117,000 Idahoans enrolled for 2026 coverage, and 87% of 2025 enrollees received advance premium tax credits averaging roughly $490 per month.
Idaho is one of 21 states (plus the District of Columbia) that operates its own exchange rather than using HealthCare.gov. The Idaho Legislature voted to create Your Health Idaho in March 2013, and Idaho later became the first state-based marketplace in the country to migrate from HealthCare.gov to its own technology. Open enrollment runs October 15 through December 15 each year — the earliest start date of any state exchange — giving Idahoans roughly a one-month head start over the November 1 federal deadline used by most HealthCare.gov states.
More than 90% of Your Health Idaho enrollees qualify for some level of financial assistance. In 2025, 47% of marketplace enrollees selected Silver plans with cost-sharing reduction (CSR) benefits, which lower out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, copays, and prescriptions. Enrollment is handled entirely through yourhealthidaho.org or with the help of certified agents and Consumer Connectors who provide free assistance.
Plan Types: HMO, PPO, and POS in Idaho
Idaho’s marketplace offers three main plan types: HMO, PPO, and POS. For a 40-year-old in 2026, average Bronze premiums start around $349–$404/month depending on carrier and plan type. PPO plans are available from Blue Cross of Idaho, Regence Blue Shield, and SelectHealth — particularly valuable for residents in rural Idaho where the nearest specialist may be 100+ miles away.
HMO
Referrals required. Must use in-network providers. Lower premiums. Mountain Health CO-OP and Moda Health Plan offer HMO options in Idaho. A 40-year-old can expect HMO Gold premiums around $548/month — the lowest Gold tier in the state.
PPO
No referrals. Out-of-network allowed. Blue Cross of Idaho, Regence Blue Shield, and SelectHealth offer PPO plans through Your Health Idaho. Compare Idaho PPO and HMO carriers →
POS
HMO + PPO blend. Lower costs in-network with limited out-of-network coverage. POS plans offer Idaho’s most affordable Silver options at approximately $512/month for a 40-year-old, and are the only plan type at Platinum tier (~$658/month).
Idaho does not have a state-level individual mandate. The federal shared responsibility penalty was reduced to $0 starting in 2019. However, going without coverage means paying all medical costs out of pocket and being limited to open enrollment or a qualifying life event for future enrollment.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Idaho in 2026?
The average Idaho health insurance premium runs approximately $581/month across all plan types and ages before subsidies. For a 40-year-old, the cheapest Bronze plan starts at $349/month (St. Luke’s Health Plan); Silver plans average around $481/month. Most enrollees pay significantly less after premium tax credits — Idaho residents save an average of $490 per month through subsidies.
| Metal Tier | Avg. Monthly Premium (Age 40) | Typical Deductible | Out-of-Pocket Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $349–$404 | $7,000–$10,000 | $9,200–$10,000 |
| Silver | $481–$565 | $3,000–$6,600 | $8,700–$9,200 |
| Gold | $532–$610 | $1,000–$2,200 | $7,500–$8,700 |
| Platinum (POS only) | ~$658 | ~$500 | ~$4,000 |
Idaho’s average Bronze premium of $317/month (across all ages) is the 6th lowest among the 50 states, according to 2026 rate data. The state’s reinsurance program is a major factor — without it, Idaho health insurance premiums would be roughly 18% higher. Location within Idaho also affects cost: the lowest average Bronze premiums for a 30-year-old are found in Ada County ($302/month) and surrounding Boise metro counties, while rural eastern Idaho counties tend to run slightly higher. For 2026, the out-of-pocket maximum is $10,600 for individual plans and $21,200 for families.
Example: 40-Year-Old in Boise
A single adult earning $45,000/year in Ada County would qualify for a premium tax credit through Your Health Idaho. With the credit applied to a Silver plan, the net monthly premium could drop from approximately $481 to around $190–$250, depending on the specific plan and benchmark calculation. Without the enhanced subsidies that expired in December 2025, this consumer’s net premium could increase substantially — potentially doubling if Congress does not renew the credits.
Compare Idaho Health Insurance Plans
See 2026 rates from all 8 carriers on Your Health Idaho. Bronze plans start at $349/month (St. Luke’s Health Plan), Silver averages $481/month, and 87% of Idaho enrollees received tax credits averaging $490/month in 2025.
Idaho’s 8 Health Insurance Carriers for 2026
Idaho consumers can choose from eight carriers on Your Health Idaho for 2026 — the same eight that offered coverage in 2025. Blue Cross of Idaho and Regence Blue Shield are the largest PPO providers, while SelectHealth, Mountain Health CO-OP, and St. Luke’s Health Plan are Idaho-focused carriers with strong regional networks. Carrier availability varies by county — Boise metro typically has all 8, while rural counties may have only 2–3.
Blue Cross of Idaho
- Idaho’s oldest and largest health insurer (since 1945)
- Statewide PPO network — most Idaho hospitals in-network
- Average premium $549/month for age 40 across all plans
- Also offers enhanced short-term “Access” plans
- NCQA accredited
Regence Blue Shield of Idaho
- Part of the Pacific Northwest Regence affiliation
- Cheapest Bronze ($380/mo) and Silver ($481/mo) for age 40
- PPO network strong in Boise metro and northern Idaho
- Nonprofit insurer
SelectHealth
- Intermountain Health affiliate — strong in Idaho Falls and Pocatello
- Lowest average premiums across all plans at $535/month
- PPO options available; 42 plan choices across four metal tiers
- Eastern Idaho focus with growing southwest presence
Mountain Health CO-OP
- Helena, Montana-based member-owned nonprofit cooperative
- Serves Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming since 2015 (Idaho expansion)
- One of only three ACA-created CO-OPs still operating nationally
- HMO-focused with mission-driven approach
St. Luke’s Health Plan
- Backed by St. Luke’s Health System — Idaho’s largest health system
- Lowest-cost Expanded Bronze plans at $349/month for age 40
- Network tied to St. Luke’s facilities across southern Idaho
- Newer carrier on the Your Health Idaho exchange
Molina Healthcare
- National carrier with Medicaid managed care roots
- Low-cost plan options in Idaho
- Top-rated for affordability by MoneyGeek for 2026
- Strong option for cost-conscious Idahoans
Moda Health Plan
- Oregon-based carrier serving select Idaho counties
- PPO/POS plans, $382–$610/month for age 40
- Includes CirrusMD virtual care and a covered annual vision exam
- Confirm by ZIP before enrolling
PacificSource Health Plans
- Oregon-based nonprofit serving southwestern Idaho counties
- PPO and EPO options available
- Strong preventive care benefits and member satisfaction
- Confirm county availability by ZIP
Not all eight carriers serve every Idaho county. Boise metro (Ada, Canyon, Gem counties) typically has the most Idaho health insurance options, while rural eastern Idaho and the panhandle may have fewer carriers available. Checking yourhealthidaho.org with a specific ZIP code is the most accurate way to see which plans are available. See detailed Idaho carrier comparisons and ratings →
Premium Tax Credits and Financial Assistance in Idaho
In 2025, 87% of Your Health Idaho enrollees received advance premium tax credits that reduced their monthly premiums. Idaho residents with household income between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level ($15,650–$62,600 for an individual using 2025 FPL, which determines 2026 marketplace eligibility) may qualify. The average monthly subsidy savings in Idaho is approximately $490 — bringing many enrollees’ net premiums to under $100/month.
Premium tax credits are calculated based on the cost of the second-lowest-cost Silver plan (the benchmark) in a consumer’s area relative to their household income. Because Idaho’s average Silver premium runs around $481/month — well below the national average — subsidy amounts in Idaho also tend to be smaller than in high-cost markets like Wyoming or West Virginia. Even so, Idaho’s average $490 monthly tax credit makes a significant difference for the 87% of Your Health Idaho enrollees who qualify, often bringing net premiums under $100/month.
2026 Subsidy Alert
The enhanced premium tax credits created by the American Rescue Plan (2021) and extended through the Inflation Reduction Act expired on December 31, 2025. Without congressional action to renew them, approximately 25,000 Idahoans were projected to drop coverage due to premium increases averaging 75% (about $100/month). Subsidies for 2026 are limited to households between 100% and 400% FPL under the original ACA formula. Check current Idaho subsidy eligibility and cost-saving strategies →
Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) provide additional savings for enrollees with income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level who select a Silver plan through Your Health Idaho. CSRs lower deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums. In 2025, 47% of Idaho marketplace enrollees had CSR-eligible Silver plans.
Idaho Medicaid and Low-Income Coverage Options
Idaho expanded Medicaid in January 2020 after voters approved Proposition 2 in 2018. Adults with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level — $22,025 for an individual using 2026 guidelines ($21,597 in 2025) — are eligible. As of October 2025, approximately 312,807 Idahoans were enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP, including 88,751 expansion adults as of June 2025. Children qualify for CHIP at family income up to 190% FPL.
Idaho’s Medicaid program is administered by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW), which serves all 44 Idaho counties. Enrollment is available year-round — there is no open enrollment period for Medicaid. Applications can be submitted online at idalink.idaho.gov or by calling 877-456-1233. Postpartum coverage in Idaho lasts 60 days, and as of January 1, 2026, dual-eligible Medicaid services moved from the discontinued Healthy Connections program to the new IMPlus delivery framework run by contracted managed care organizations.
Idaho Medicaid expansion is in transition. HB138 passed the Idaho House in February 2025 — proposing a 50,000 enrollee cap, a work requirement, and a “Covered Choice” option for incomes between 100% and 138% FPL — but did not advance in the Senate. Separately, HB913 was signed by Governor Little in April 2026, directing Idaho to adopt federal Medicaid work requirements (from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) by December 31, 2026, with implementation by 2027. Researchers project the federal work requirements could remove up to 44% of Idaho expansion enrollees (roughly 34,000 people).
Idahoans who lose Medicaid eligibility are automatically referred to Your Health Idaho, where they may qualify for premium tax credits up to $62,600 (single) or $128,600 (family of four). About 88,751 expansion adults could face this transition pathway when HB913’s federal work requirements take effect; researchers project the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s rules could remove up to 34,000 Idahoans (roughly 44% of expansion enrollees) from Medicaid expansion when implementation begins by 2027.
Family Health Insurance Options in Idaho
Idaho families can enroll through Your Health Idaho, where premiums are based on each family member’s age. A family of four with household income at or below $45,540 (138% of 2026 FPL) may qualify for Idaho Medicaid. Families above that threshold can access marketplace tax credits up to 400% FPL ($128,600 for a family of four). Children under 19 may also qualify for Idaho CHIP at family income up to 190% FPL.
The 2026 out-of-pocket maximum for family plans is $21,200 — the most a family will pay in covered medical expenses beyond premiums in a single year. Children under 19 may also qualify for CHIP coverage with family income up to 190% of the poverty level, which has lower premiums and cost-sharing than marketplace plans.
For families comparing Idaho health insurance plans, Silver-tier options with CSR benefits often provide the best value when household income is below 250% FPL — the reduced deductibles and copays offset the slightly higher premium compared to Bronze plans. Families in rural Idaho should also verify that preferred pediatric and specialist providers are in-network — carrier networks vary significantly between the Boise metro area and eastern Idaho or the panhandle.
How to Enroll in Idaho Health Insurance
Your Health Idaho offers free enrollment assistance through certified agents, brokers, and Consumer Connectors at 855-944-3246. About 117,000 Idahoans enrolled for 2026 coverage during open enrollment, which ran October 15 through December 15, 2025 — the earliest start of any state exchange in the country. Outside that window, a qualifying life event opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period; Native Americans qualify for year-round special enrollment without a QLE.
Gather your documents
Collect identification, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or self-employment records), and Social Security numbers for all household members seeking coverage.
Create a Your Health Idaho account
Visit yourhealthidaho.org to start your application. Financial eligibility is determined immediately after submission.
Compare plans and enroll
Use the side-by-side comparison tool to filter plans by cost, carrier, metal tier, and network. Select a plan, e-sign, and submit. Coverage begins on the policy’s effective date after the first premium payment clears.
Get free help if you need it
Find a Your Health Idaho-certified agent or Consumer Connector at yourhealthidaho.org/find-help for free in-person or virtual assistance. You can also call Your Health Idaho at 855-944-3246.
Qualifying Life Events in Idaho
Outside of open enrollment, a qualifying life event (QLE) opens a 60-day window for Idahoans to enroll in Idaho health insurance through Your Health Idaho or switch plans. Common Idaho QLEs include:
- Losing job-based coverage (including COBRA expiration)
- Moving to Idaho from another state or county
- Getting married or divorced
- Having or adopting a child
- Losing eligibility for Idaho Medicaid or CHIP
- Turning 26 and aging off a parent’s plan
- Native American status (year-round, no QLE required)
Picking Your Idaho Plan: 6 Common Scenarios
The right Idaho plan depends on income, health usage, and provider preferences. Idahoans earning under $22,025 (single adult, 138% of 2026 FPL) likely qualify for Idaho Medicaid; those between $22,025 and $62,600 should start on Your Health Idaho for subsidy eligibility. Frequent care users often save money with a Gold plan despite higher premiums — Idaho Gold plans typically reduce annual out-of-pocket costs by $1,500–$3,000 compared to Bronze for the same care volume.
Low income (under 138% FPL)
Apply for Idaho Medicaid year-round through idalink.idaho.gov or by calling 877-456-1233. Single adults under $22,025 (2026 FPL) qualify; children with family income up to 190% FPL qualify for CHIP at low or no cost.
Moderate income (139–250% FPL)
Strong premium tax credits plus CSR Silver plans available on Your Health Idaho. CSR Silver plans are often the best value at this income level — lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
Higher income (above 400% FPL)
Limited or no subsidies. Compare on-exchange Silver plans against off-exchange Blue Cross of Idaho or Regence PPO plans — off-exchange often wins on cost and network flexibility for this group.
Self-employed / freelance
PPO plans allow specialist access without referrals — valuable when managing your own care without an employer HR team. Premiums are 100% deductible as a business expense.
Family with children
Check Idaho CHIP eligibility for children first — it covers kids up to 190% FPL at low or no cost. Adults can enroll separately in a Your Health Idaho plan if income is above Medicaid thresholds.
Between jobs
Job loss triggers a Special Enrollment Period. If the gap is expected to be short, compare COBRA costs against a Silver Your Health Idaho plan — marketplace premiums with subsidies often beat COBRA significantly.
Idaho Health Insurance: Common Questions Answered
The most common Idaho health insurance questions cover open enrollment dates (October 15 through December 15 via Your Health Idaho), Idaho’s reinsurance program that lowers 2026 premiums by 18%, the eight carriers offering individual marketplace plans, Idaho Medicaid eligibility at 138% FPL, and short-term plan rules. Below are direct answers to the questions Idahoans ask most often before enrolling.
When is open enrollment for Idaho health insurance?
Open enrollment through Your Health Idaho runs October 15 through December 15 each year — the earliest start date of any state exchange in the country. All plans selected during open enrollment take effect January 1. Outside this window, enrollment is only available through a Special Enrollment Period triggered by a qualifying life event. Idaho Medicaid enrollment is open year-round.
Does Idaho have a health insurance mandate?
No. Idaho does not have a state-level individual mandate requiring residents to carry health insurance. The federal individual mandate penalty was reduced to $0 beginning in 2019. However, going without coverage means paying all medical costs out of pocket and being restricted to open enrollment or qualifying life events for future coverage.
How many health insurance carriers are available in Idaho?
Eight carriers offer individual marketplace plans through Your Health Idaho for 2026: Blue Cross of Idaho, Regence Blue Shield of Idaho, SelectHealth, PacificSource Health Plans, Mountain Health CO-OP, Molina Healthcare, Moda Health Plan, and St. Luke’s Health Plan. Not all carriers are available in every county — availability varies by region.
Why are Idaho health insurance premiums lower than other states?
Idaho runs a state reinsurance program that covers a portion of the most expensive medical claims in the insurance market, which prevents those costs from being passed on to everyone’s monthly premiums. In 2026, this program reduces premiums by approximately 18%. The program has been running since 2023 and is currently approved through 2027, with an extension pending through 2031.
Who qualifies for Medicaid in Idaho?
Idaho expanded Medicaid in 2020 following voter approval of Proposition 2. Adults with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level — $22,025 for an individual using 2026 guidelines ($21,597 in 2025) — are eligible. Children qualify for CHIP with family income up to 190% FPL. Enrollment is available year-round at idalink.idaho.gov or by calling 877-456-1233.
Can I get short-term health insurance in Idaho?
Yes. Idaho allows both traditional short-term plans (limited to 4-month total duration under federal rules that took effect September 2024) and enhanced short-term plans created by Idaho legislation in 2019. Blue Cross of Idaho offers 2026 “Access” enhanced short-term plans with broader coverage than traditional STLDI. Learn more about Idaho short-term health insurance options →
Idaho Health Insurance Resources
Your Health Idaho enrollment, subsidy eligibility, county carrier availability, and 2026 open enrollment dates
Best Health Insurance in IdahoCompare Blue Cross of Idaho, Regence, SelectHealth, and Mountain Health CO-OP with network access and ratings
Affordable Health Insurance IdahoIdaho Medicaid, CHIP, subsidy tables, and how 2026 premium credit changes affect Idaho families
Short-Term Health Insurance IdahoTraditional 4-month plans, enhanced short-term plans, and ACA-compliant alternatives for coverage gaps
Small Business Health Insurance IdahoGroup plans, SHOP marketplace, and ICHRA options for Idaho’s small business employers
PPO Health Insurance PlansNationwide PPO plan overview — flexible provider access, no referrals required, in and out of network
Your 2026 Idaho Coverage Starts at Your Health Idaho
Compare 2026 plans from all 8 Your Health Idaho carriers — Blue Cross of Idaho, Regence Blue Shield, SelectHealth, Mountain Health CO-OP, St. Luke’s Health Plan, Molina, Moda, and PacificSource. Idaho’s reinsurance program saves enrollees roughly $87/month, and 87% of Idahoans qualify for tax credits averaging $490/month. Free help available at 888-215-4045 or through Your Health Idaho-certified Consumer Connectors statewide.
Broker Disclosure
ForHealthInsurance.com is an independent health insurance agency serving Idaho residents. We are not affiliated with any carrier or government agency. We help you compare plans and enroll in coverage that meets your needs at no extra cost to you.