By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“If you can show that you have been working, going to school, participating in a work program, volunteering, or earning at least $580 in the three consecutive months before applying for Medicaid, you will meet the new requirements.” — Idaho Department of Health and Welfare website explaining the state’s new work requirements for Medicaid expansion
Hundreds of Idahoans gathered in the rotunda of the Idaho Capitol on Jan. 12, 2026, to protest budget cuts to the state’s Medicaid program. (Photo by Christina Lords/Idaho Capital Sun)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
Idaho’s strict Medicaid work requirements to start next year. Most meet the rules, official says.
By Kyle Pfannenstiel
Idaho Republican lawmakers and Gov. Brad Little in April adopted the work requirements from President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, the state’s largest agency that runs Medicaid and other public assistance programs, plans to implement the work requirements on Jan. 1, 2027, agency officials announced in a news release this week.
Gas prices rose dramatically across Idaho as the situation in the Middle East intensified. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
GROWTH + AFFORDIBILITY
Escalating Middle East tensions increase gas prices in Idaho
By Abigail Gerstein
Gas prices are up by 18 cents from last week across Idaho according to AAA, as the crude oil market continues to face pressure from intensifying conflict in the Middle East.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse are partnering to provide local children with food packages to take home. (Courtesy photo)
LIVING
Moscow churches team up to keep Idaho kids fed on weekends all summer
By Cody Wendt
At present, Food for Kids distributes bags of food to over 200 local children throughout the summer. The program is all-volunteer, and relies on individual donations and recurring fundraising efforts.
MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US
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ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
Boise State Public Radio: Cyclosporiasis cases rise across the Mountain West as officials continue to investigate source
Moscow-Pullman Daily News: Moscow School District explores levy for major building changes
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