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Medicaid Planning · Idaho

Idaho Medicaid estate recovery

Medicaid estate recovery rules for Idaho.

Published: September 4, 2026. Last checked: September 5, 2026.

Recovery scope

Expanded estate recovery reaches probate property and other real or personal property interests held at death, including specified unprobated, trust, joint-account, and survivorship interests.

Source: Idaho Administrative Rules 16.03.26, sections 981 through 986 [state-medicaid-agency] — Sections 981 through 986 marked temporary effective July 1, 2025

Controlling authority

Idaho Code §§ 56-218 and 56-218A and IDAPA 16.03.26 §§ 981 through 986 govern estate recovery and liens.

Source: Idaho Administrative Rules 16.03.26, sections 981 through 986 [state-medicaid-agency] — Sections 981 through 986 marked temporary effective July 1, 2025

Exemptions and deferrals

Recovery is delayed while a surviving spouse lives and while a surviving child is under 21 or blind or disabled, consistent with the agency's stated protections.

Source: Idaho Medicaid for adults: estate recovery [state-medicaid-agency] — Agency page updated June 30, 2026

Hardship-waiver path

A family beneficiary may request a full or partial waiver under IDAPA 16.03.26.985; the rule includes sole-support, public-assistance, and limited-estate criteria and permits case-by-case relief.

Source: Idaho Administrative Rules 16.03.26, sections 981 through 986 [state-medicaid-agency] — Sections 981 through 986 marked temporary effective July 1, 2025

Lien practice

Idaho may record and renew a lifetime lien after notice and hearing, recover from net sale proceeds, and must dissolve the lien if the recipient is discharged and returns home.

Source: Idaho Administrative Rules 16.03.26, sections 981 through 986 [state-medicaid-agency] — Sections 981 through 986 marked temporary effective July 1, 2025

Sources

Methodology & sources

Checked at least annually and whenever recovery statutes, waivers, liens, or agency practices change.

General information, not legal advice.