
Medicaid is a state-federal program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities. In Iowa, Medicaid is administered by the state's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and covers various categories of beneficiaries at higher incomes than in many other states. Iowa's Medicaid program is called the Iowa Health and Wellness Program. As of October 2024, it covered around 674,985 Iowans, with an additional 182,541 covered by the ACA Medicaid expansion as of June 2024. To apply for Iowa Medicaid, individuals can submit an application online or by mail. This article will explore whether Medicaid can be used as secondary insurance in Iowa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is covered by Iowa Medicaid? | Eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities |
| What is the income eligibility requirement? | Income at or below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) |
| What is the age eligibility requirement? | Adults between the ages of 19 and 64 |
| What is the citizenship requirement? | Citizen of the U.S. and resident of Iowa |
| How to apply for Iowa Medicaid? | Apply online via the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) portal or the HHS Benefits Portal, or fill out a paper application form and submit it to the local HHS office |
| How often is Medicaid renewal required? | Every 12 months |
| How many Iowans are covered by Medicaid? | Over 700,000 |
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What You'll Learn

Iowa Medicaid eligibility and coverage
Iowa's Medicaid program covers a wide range of beneficiaries, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities. The program is jointly funded by the state and federal governments and is administered by the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS).
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Iowa Medicaid, individuals must meet specific income and eligibility requirements. These include:
- Adults under the age of 65 with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or 133% FPL according to another source are eligible.
- Children up to age 1 are eligible for Medicaid in families with income up to 380% of FPL (dropping to 220% FPL in 2025).
- Children ages 1 to 18 are covered by Medicaid in families with income up to 172% of FPL or 167% FPL according to another source.
- Pregnant women are covered by Medicaid if their family income is up to 380% of FPL (dropping to 220% FPL in 2025).
- Children in families with income too high to qualify for Medicaid are eligible for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), known as hawk-i in Iowa. This program is available for kids with family incomes up to 307% of FPL or 302% FPL according to another source.
Enrollment Process
Individuals can apply for Iowa Medicaid through the DHS portal or HealthCare.gov, which will refer them to Iowa Medicaid if they are likely eligible. They can also fill out a paper application and submit it to their local HHS office or mail it to the provided address.
Coverage
Iowa Medicaid provides health coverage to over 700,000 Iowans annually. The program covers various expenses, including Medicare premiums, prescription drug costs, and long-term care. The state expanded its Medicaid program to include low-income adults through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and this expansion is called the Iowa Health and Wellness Program.
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Applying for Iowa Medicaid
Iowa Medicaid is a $6 billion program that provides health coverage to over 700,000 Iowans every year. The program is jointly funded by the state and federal governments. Iowa's Medicaid program covers various categories of beneficiaries at higher incomes than many other states.
To apply for Iowa Medicaid, you can check your eligibility and apply for services via the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal. You can also apply by filling out a paper application form and submitting it to your local HHS office. If you need help with your application, you can call 1-855-889-7985.
Additionally, you can begin the application process through HealthCare.gov, which will refer you to Iowa Medicaid if the system determines that you're likely eligible.
- An adult between the ages of 19 and 64 with an income at or below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- Children ages 1 to 18 in families with incomes up to 172% of FPL are covered. Children in families with higher incomes may be eligible for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which is available to kids with family incomes up to 307% of FPL.
- Pregnant women with family incomes up to 380% of FPL are covered. However, this income limit will be reduced to 220% FPL in 2025, and coverage will be extended to 12 months postpartum.
It's important to note that Iowa Medicaid has specific units, each with its own area of expertise, working together to accomplish the program's goals.
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Iowa Medicaid renewal
Iowa's Medicaid program covers a variety of beneficiaries with higher incomes than many other states. Initially, Iowa used a waiver to implement a state-specific version of Medicaid expansion, but this was abandoned in 2015 in favour of straight Medicaid expansion. This was implemented through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with a managed care approach that utilises private insurers to provide coverage and care coordination.
Medicaid is a health insurance program based on income. To qualify, you must meet certain income levels and specific eligibility requirements. In Iowa, Medicaid covers eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities.
To apply for Iowa Medicaid health coverage, you can visit the HHS Benefits Portal or fill out a paper application form and submit it to your local HHS office.
Regarding Iowa Medicaid renewal, you will need to renew your benefits every 12 months. The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) will send you a renewal form, and you must complete and return it to the address on the form. You can also contact your local DHS office with any questions about your renewal.
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Iowa Medicaid health plans
Iowa Medicaid provides health coverage to over 700,000 Iowans every year. This includes eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities. The program is jointly funded by the state and federal government and is administered by the state according to federal requirements. Iowa's Medicaid program covers various categories of beneficiaries at higher incomes than many other states. Initially, Iowa used a waiver to implement a state-specific version of Medicaid expansion but abandoned this in 2015 in favor of straight Medicaid expansion as called for in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
To apply for Iowa Medicaid health coverage, you can visit the HHS Benefits Portal or fill out a paper application form and submit it to your local HHS office. You can also apply online via the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) portal or begin the application process through HealthCare.gov. If the system determines that you are likely eligible for Medicaid, you will be referred to Iowa Medicaid.
Iowa Medicaid is committed to ensuring that all members have equitable access to high-quality services that promote dignity and improve whole-person health across populations. The program works to remove barriers to increase health engagement and operates with a vision of fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Iowa Medicaid is a collection of specific units, each with its own area of expertise, working together to achieve the goals of the program.
Iowa Total Care offers the IA Health Link Program, which provides members with online access to their healthcare information, claims, ID cards, and more. They also offer a free and easy-to-use app for members on the go. To enroll in the Iowa Total Care plan, you must first apply for and be eligible for Medicaid. If you are eligible, the Department of Human Services will notify you via mail.
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Iowa Medicaid waivers
Iowa's Medicaid program covers a wide range of beneficiaries, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities. The program is jointly funded by the state and federal governments and is administered by the state according to federal requirements.
Iowa initially used a waiver to implement a state-specific version of Medicaid expansion but abandoned this approach in 2015 in favor of straight Medicaid expansion as outlined in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Despite this shift, Iowa still offers several Medicaid waiver programs, including the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. These waivers help individuals remain in their homes or communities instead of receiving care in a medical institution.
The HCBS Waivers provide funding and personalized support, allowing recipients to receive necessary care while staying in a familiar environment. Iowa has a robust HCBS quality oversight system, with regular reviews of providers to ensure compliance with standards. HCBS waiver-enrolled members also have access to Medicaid-covered services and benefits.
There are seven HCBS waiver programs in Iowa, and they provide various services to eligible individuals. These services include adult day care, homemaker services, respite care, home health aide, nursing, financial management, independent support brokerage, self-directed community support, and more. The specific services provided depend on the age and needs of the individual, with different waivers catering to children, adults, and seniors.
For those receiving services through Medicaid waivers, the Iowa Finance Authority offers temporary rental assistance. Additionally, Iowa's Medicaid expansion is called the Iowa Health and Wellness Program, and it covers a higher-income population than many other states.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Medicaid can be used as secondary insurance in Iowa. It is a state and federal program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities.
You can apply for Iowa Medicaid by visiting the HHS Benefits Portal or filling out a paper application and submitting it to your local HHS office.
To be eligible for Medicaid in Iowa, you must be a resident of the state, a US citizen, and meet certain income requirements. For adults between the ages of 19 and 64, the income requirement is at or below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
There are several programs available under Medicaid in Iowa, including the Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (HIPP), Medicare Savings Program (MSP), Emergency Medical Services, and the Medically Needy program, among others.
You can contact Iowa Medicaid Member Services of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by phone at 1-800-338-8366, 515-256-4606, or 1-800-735-2942 (Relay Iowa TTY). They are available Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.







































