Peace Garden News

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced an increase in qualifying income levels for certain public health programs serving children and families. The changes, effective May 1, 2025, result from annual updates in federal poverty level guidelines to account for cost-of-living adjustments.

As of today, families participating in the North Dakota Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the Special Health Services Financial Coverage Program will see changes in income eligibility. A family of four earning up to $59,478 annually now qualifies for assistance, marking an increase of $1,758 from previous guidelines. The qualifying income varies according to household size, with additional requirements for each program.

The WIC program, funded federally, assists pregnant women, infants, and children under five by providing nutritious food, nutrition education, and community referrals. The program features a variety of benefits including fresh produce, dairy, whole grains, and support for breastfeeding.

Participants of Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) automatically qualify for WIC. Details on applying can be found at hhs.nd.gov/food-programs/WIC.

The Special Health Services Financial Coverage Program aids families in covering medical costs for eligible children, up to 21 years old, who require special care for chronic conditions. Services offered include dental, medication, therapy, and medical equipment needs. This program addresses the needs of about 20% of North Dakota children who have special health care requirements. More information is available at hhs.nd.gov/health/children/special-health-services/financial-coverage-program.

Additionally, as of April 1, North Dakota Medicaid has revised the eligibility limits for its various coverage groups. For further details, visit hhs.nd.gov/healthcare/medicaid/eligibility.

The federal poverty level serves as a benchmark for determining eligibility for several U.S. government assistance programs, aimed at identifying individuals and families requiring financial support.