Hawki (Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa)
Last updated August 2026
hawk-i, short for Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa, is Iowa's CHIP program. It gives low-cost health and dental coverage to children under age 19. It is built for working families who earn a bit too much for free Medicaid. Apply online through the HHS Services Portal at hhsservices.iowa.gov, or call hawk-i member services at 1-800-257-8563.
The cost is capped low, which is the best-known fact about hawk-i. Some families pay a small monthly premium based on income. No family pays more than $40 a month for all of its children combined. Many families pay nothing at all.
The income tiers use dollar amounts, not just percentages. For a family of four in 2026, free Medicaid runs up to $55,110 a year. Free hawk-i covers $55,111 to $59,730. A $10-per-child premium covers up to $80,190. A $20-per-child premium covers up to $99,660. So a working family of four can still get kids covered well up the income scale.
Coverage lasts through the growing years. It is for children under age 19. Eligibility ends the first day of the month after the child turns 19. Plan ahead for that birthday so coverage does not lapse without a backup.
The benefits are broad for both health and teeth. Medical coverage includes doctor visits, immunizations, hospital and surgical care, emergency visits, eye exams and glasses, prescriptions, and mental health and substance use treatment. Dental coverage includes exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, and medically necessary orthodontics.
Apply through the same portal Iowa uses for Medicaid and SNAP. That means a parent applying for other help can add the children in one place. If a child earns too much for free Medicaid, do not assume there is no option, because hawk-i is built for exactly that gap. Dial 2-1-1 to find a community health center while you wait.
Phone 1-800-257-8563
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Children under age 19 in Iowa working families whose income is above the Medicaid limit
- Monthly premiums run from nothing up to a family maximum of $40, based on your income
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online through the HHS Services Portal at hhsservices.iowa.gov.
- 2
Have proof of the child's age, Iowa residency, and household income ready.
- 3
Call hawk-i member services at 1-800-257-8563 with any questions.
- 4
Expect a small monthly premium in some tiers, capped at $40 a month per family.
- 5
Note the child's 19th birthday, since coverage ends the first day of the month after it.
What to have ready
- Proof of the child's age and Iowa residency
- Proof of household income
- Social Security numbers for the children. hawk-i member services confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much does hawk-i cost?
Some families pay a small monthly premium based on income, but no family pays more than $40 a month for all of its children combined. Many pay nothing.
What is the income limit?
It uses dollar tiers. For a family of four in 2026, coverage reaches up to $99,660 a year at the $20-per-child premium level.
How old can my child be?
hawk-i covers children under age 19. Coverage ends the first day of the month after the child turns 19.
Does hawk-i cover dental?
Yes. Dental covers exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, and medically necessary orthodontics.
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