North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services

Budget shortfall will reduce North Dakota child care assistance for some families

BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services is reducing some of its child care subsidies for working families as the program faces an unexpected $35.5 million funding deficit. The state set aside $124.7 million for the program for the 2025-2027 budget cycle. Due to increased enrollment, however, the department now anticipates needing…

North Dakota submits proposal to ban candy, soda from food assistance

Candy and sugary drinks are displayed at a gas station in Bismarck on Oct. 14, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota has submitted a request to the federal government to prohibit North Dakotans enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from using their benefits to buy soft drinks, energy drinks or candy….

Partial food assistance benefits available in North Dakota

The Great Plains Food Bank, which works with food pantries across North Dakota, prepared for a surge in demand after federal funding was disrupted in November. On Thursday, the state announced that partial benefits would begin flowing to some households enrolled in the federal program. (Photo courtesy of Great Plains Food Bank)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota…

North Dakota provides $1.5 million for food, federal aid programs

Interim Health and Human Services Commissioner Pat Traynor discusses how the state is working to fund a federal assistance program for new mothers and young children during the federal government shut down. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota is using $1.5 million in Department of Health and Human Services general fund money to address food…

North Dakota tribal treatment programs hindered by ‘archaic’ regulation, leaders say

Bill draft to address need for Medicaid, Medicare waiver

The Good Road Recovery Center in Bismarck is a licensed substance abuse disorder treatment program owned and operated by the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation is looking to the North Dakota Legislature to address a major “impediment” to health care access on the…

Upcoming North Dakota special session expected to be ‘rubber stamp’ for federal health care funds

Sen. Brad Bekkedahl, R-Williston, speaks during a committee meeting on Oct. 15, 2025. At left is Rep. Don Vigesaa, R-Cooperstown. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota Legislature anticipates a special session early next year to formally earmark federal health care funding that is expected to be awarded by the end of the…

North Dakota SNAP funding in jeopardy with government shutdown

BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota has enough money to keep paying Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in November if the federal government remains shut down, but the state is unable to load the funds onto people’s electronic payment cards, state officials said Tuesday. The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services is warning the public that…

North Dakota lawmakers build wish list for $500M federal rural health care grant

Sen. Brad Bekkedahl, R-Williston, and Legislative Council budget analyst Allen Knudson listen to a presentation on the Rural Health Transformation Program on Oct. 14, 2025. (Photo by Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A committee of North Dakota lawmakers this week began sifting through an ocean of recommendations for how to spend a $500 million federal rural…

North Dakota taking steps to ban candy, soda purchases with SNAP benefits

Candy and sugary drinks are displayed at a gas station in Bismarck on Oct. 14, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Some foods such as soda and candy may soon be prohibited purchases in North Dakota through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, officials said Tuesday. The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services…

States, providers awaiting specifics on Medicaid changes from US Health and Human Services

Sarah Aker, executive director of medical services for the Department of Health and Human Services, speaks during a meeting of the Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency on July 30, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)FARGO, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor/KVRR) — North Dakota health officials, health care providers, and the public are waiting for details on how the state…