Department Description:

Under the supervision of the County Commissioners and County Clerk, this office offers information, referral and provision of emergency aid to low-income/indigent residents of Lewis County. This department was created by the County to carry out the mandates and intent of Idaho law contained in Title 31, Chapters 34 and 35 of the Idaho Code. The purpose of these laws is to provide limited and temporary assistance to Lewis County residents for the payment of some non-medical and medical expenses. Assistance from Lewis County is required to be “as a last resort” only; or when no alternative exists.

For those who qualify, assistance may be available for medical costs, rent to avoid eviction, utilities to avoid shut-off, emergency prescriptions, and cremation. A complete application, interview and verification of residency, income, expenses and assets are required. The County also requires repayment of any taxpayer funds used to assist a county resident under these laws.

Before assistance can be provided, however, certain requirements will have to be met and the applicant must present himself for an interview and must be prepared to provide personal information regarding the applicant’s living situation such as, financial information, bills, income, assets of all types, insurance, resources, and much more. Once this information has been gathered, a thorough investigation to substantiate the data and then make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners for approval or denial.

You should also know that Idaho law provides that an automatic lien is created on all real and personal property of those who file an application for county medical assistance under these laws.

There is no fee to file an application for assistance. Requests for medical assistance require a different application than requests for non-medical assistance. All medical providers and hospitals in the state have the necessary application forms for requests for medical assistance. Please contact our office for a non-medical assistance application.

Office hours are 9am to noon and 1pm to 5pm.

Please call for an appointment 208-937-9248.