Iowa Medicaid & Iowa Health and Wellness Plan
Last updated August 2026
Iowa Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage. It covers children, pregnant people, parents, older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income adults. Iowa did expand Medicaid. The Iowa Health and Wellness Plan covers low- or no-cost care for adults ages 19 to 64. So a single adult with no children can be covered here. Apply online at hhsservices.iowa.gov or call 1-800-972-2017.
Each group has its own income line. Adults ages 19 to 64 may qualify when income is at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level. Children under age 19 qualify with household income under 167 percent. Infants under age 1 have a higher limit of 375 percent. If you were denied before, apply again, because the pathways differ.
Income can reach higher than many people expect. A family of four may still qualify for a free or low-cost program earning as much as roughly $97,000 a year. That is why it is worth applying even with a steady paycheck. You may qualify, and the program decides.
New parents get more time. As of January 7, 2025, Iowa extended postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months. This applies for families within 215 percent of poverty. That extra year protects a parent's health after a birth.
Most coverage runs through managed care. Iowa calls it Iowa Health Link. Most members get their care through a managed care organization, or MCO. Your card and your plan come from that organization once you are enrolled.
Applying is done in one place. You can apply online through the HHS Benefits Portal or with a paper application taken to a local HHS office. While your application is processed, dial 2-1-1 to find a community health center. Children who earn too much for Medicaid may still qualify for hawk-i, Iowa's health plan for kids.
Phone 1-800-972-2017
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Iowa residents who meet the income rules for their group; coverage expanded to low-income adults 19 to 64 through the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan
- Children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities each have their own pathway, so apply even if you were denied before
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online through the HHS Benefits Portal at hhsservices.iowa.gov, or call 1-800-972-2017.
- 2
Have proof of identity, income, and Iowa residency ready.
- 3
Apply even if you were denied before, since each group has its own income pathway.
- 4
If you are a new parent, ask about the 12-month postpartum coverage.
- 5
After approval, choose or confirm your Iowa Health Link managed care plan.
What to have ready
- Photo ID and Social Security numbers for those applying
- Proof of income and Iowa residency
- Immigration or citizenship documents where they apply. Your local HHS office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Did Iowa expand Medicaid?
Yes. The Iowa Health and Wellness Plan covers adults ages 19 to 64 with income at or below 133 percent of poverty, including adults with no children.
What is the income limit for children?
Children under age 19 qualify with household income under 167 percent of poverty. Infants under age 1 have a higher limit of 375 percent.
Can new parents keep coverage after a birth?
Yes. As of January 7, 2025, Iowa extended postpartum coverage to 12 months for families within 215 percent of poverty.
How is the coverage delivered?
Most members get care through Iowa Health Link, the state's Medicaid managed care program run by managed care organizations.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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