This information was collected through a combination of state surveys and NASHP staff research. It offers a snapshot of how the state is defining, training, certifying, and paying for the CHW workforce — as well as how the state is developing cross-agency and state-to-local strategies to improve community health in partnership with CHWs.
This is a dynamic policy space, and states are continuing to develop new approaches. We will continue to make periodic updates to this page. Learn more about state CHW policies across the U.S.
State CHW Definition
Idaho does not have a state CHW definition.
State CHW Governance
Idaho does not have a dedicated state office of CHWs.
Certification and Training
Certification is not required by the state. No state approval process exists for CHW educational programs or curricula. Idaho State University (ISU) offers multiple CHW training opportunities through the ISU CHW Training Academy, including the CHW Core Training Program, CHW advanced training, health-specific modules on select topics, CHW apprentice training, CHW supervisor training, and quarterly “mini” CHW learning collaboratives. The Idaho CHW Association leads and facilitates the annual CHW Learning Collaborative, an opportunity for CHWs, supervisors, allies, and other interested parties to network, train, and learn.
Medicaid Reimbursement
Idaho Medicaid does not reimburse for CHW services.
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms
Federal cooperative agreements with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention support some statewide CHW infrastructure work.
In 2021, Idaho State University completed a CHW Training Needs Assessment that provided information about how surveyed CHW programs were funded, including from federal agency (38 percent) and non-profit organizations (38 percent), followed by financing from a state agency (35 percent) and private foundations (23 percent). About 1 in 5 supervisors indicated financing CHW programs through internal financing (19 percent). Approximately 15 percent used other public financing, 12 percent reported using local agency/government funding, and 12 percent reported financing through individual giving.
The Idaho Refugee Health Screening Program, which includes CHWs, has produced positive outcomes for providers and clients, such as reduction in no-show rates and increased self-advocacy. These outcomes have motivated grantors within health and other sectors to expand refugee CHWs’ roles to include wraparound services and increase their numbers. After five years of partnership, the grantee was able to attain funding elsewhere to sustain this program without support from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
Key Partnerships
The Idaho Community Health Workers Association is developing as a resource hub for CHWs in the state. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare supported a steering committee of Idaho CHWs to conduct listening sessions and strategic planning for the organization.
The Idaho Refugee Health Screening Program supports CHWs through the Community Health Advisor (CHA) Program, in which CHAs support refugees as they navigate health services. Community advisors are refugee CHWs trained to support newly arrived refugees.
State CHW Legislation
Information is unavailable.
State Resources
ACO – Accountable care organization
AHEC – Area Health Education Centers
APHA – American Public Health Association
APM – Alternative payment model
CBO – Community-based organization
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC CCR Funding – Community Health Workers for COVID Response and Resilient Communities Funding
CHR – Community health representative
CHW – Community health worker
CPT Codes – Current Procedural Terminology Codes
C3 Project – CHW Core Competency Project
FFS – Fee for services
HCSPCS Codes – Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Codes
HRSA – Health Resources & Services Administration
MCO – Managed care organization
NACHW – National Association of Community Health Workers
SDOH – Social determinants of health
VBP – Value-based payment
State CHW Definition: This category indicates where states have a formal definition of a CHW. In some cases, where there is not a definition in statute, this category may draw information from provider manuals and state websites or reports.
Certification and Training: This category includes information about how CHWs are trained in the state, which entities provide training, whether or not the state runs or recognizes a CHW certification program, and information about the entities that administer existing certification programs.
Medicaid Reimbursement: This category includes information about state Medicaid strategies that provide enrollees access to CHW services. Entries indicate whether state Medicaid programs currently reimburse for CHW services or incorporate CHWs into alternative payment models under the authority of a state plan amendment (SPA), or where states have earmarked funds to support CHW services under the authority of an 1115 demonstration waiver. It also indicates where CHW services might be supported through managed care approaches (e.g., where MCOs are paying for CHW services using administrative dollars or where states are using managed care contracts to incentivize or require MCOs to cover CHW services).
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms: This category includes information about other state funding or financing approaches that cover CHW services or CHW positions. It includes information about federal grant dollars for which the state is the grantee.
Key Partnerships: This category offers information about key partners outside state government, including state CHW associations and CHW training entities, and highlights formal cross-agency partnerships within the state that support alignment of funding and resources for the CHW workforce.
State CHW Legislation: This category highlights any state legislation relevant to the CHW workforce. This might include statutory language directing agencies to develop a Medicaid reimbursement approach, laws that established state CHW certification, or other relevant statutes.
State Resources: This category offers links to any key reports or resources that states elected to highlight as critical to CHW policy and partnership.
