Wayne Salter, Health and Human Services Commissioner | Official Website
Wayne Salter, Health and Human Services Commissioner | Official Website
North Dakota Health and Human Services announced changes to income eligibility levels for public health programs serving children and families. These changes align with updates to federal poverty level guidelines, which reflect adjustments for cost-of-living.
As of May 1, 2025, the financial threshold to qualify for the North Dakota Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Special Health Services Financial Coverage Program has increased. A family of four can now earn up to $59,478 annually, marking a $1,758 increase. Eligibility varies based on household size, and additional requirements apply to both programs.
The WIC program, funded federally, provides healthy food, nutrition education, and community referrals for pregnant women and families with young children. Among the offerings are fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, whole grains, cereals, eggs, cheese, yogurt, fruit juices, peanut butter, beans, and support for breastfeeding, as well as formula for non-breastfed infants and baby food. Individuals eligible for Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can also qualify for WIC. More information is available on the department's website.
The Special Health Services Financial Coverage Program aids families to cover medical expenses for eligible children up to 21 years old who require specialized care for chronic health conditions. This coverage includes dental services, medications, therapy, nutrition, laboratory tests, medical equipment, and care coordination services. For information on qualification, families can visit the department’s website or contact them directly.
Additionally, North Dakota Medicaid revised the eligibility criteria for its coverage groups starting April 1. Further details on this are accessible online.
The federal poverty level serves as a benchmark for determining eligibility for various government assistance programs, aiming to identify those who might require financial help.
Alerts Sign-up