Iowa Medicaid
Last verified: June 2026
Informational resource — not affiliated with Iowa
Federal changes to Iowa Medicaid are being implemented in 2025 and 2026
What is Iowa Medicaid?
Iowa Medicaid is administered by Iowa Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS), Division of Medical Services. Iowa restructured its state agency in 2022, merging the former Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) into the new Iowa HHS — the agency's website moved from dhs.iowa.gov to hhs.iowa.gov at the same time.
Iowa expanded Medicaid under the ACA effective January 1, 2014. The expansion program is called the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP). Iowa describes IHAWP's income limit as 133% of the Federal Poverty Level — which reflects the ACA's 5% MAGI income disregard that effectively makes 133% equivalent to 138% in most states. The practical eligibility threshold is the same as other expansion states.
Iowa Medicaid now operates as a primarily managed care program. Most members are enrolled in one of three managed care organizations (MCOs) — Iowa Total Care, Molina Healthcare of Iowa, and Wellpoint Iowa. Iowa HHS contracts directly with these plans rather than paying providers fee-for-service.
Iowa Medicaid coverage programs
Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP)
ACA expansion Medicaid for adults ages 19 to 64 at or below 133% FPL (functionally 138%). IHAWP is the large enrollment program created specifically for the expansion population. No premium, no co-pays for most services.
Traditional Medicaid
Covers low-income children, pregnant women, and qualifying parents and caretakers. No premium. Children are covered through Traditional Medicaid and Hawk-i (Iowa's CHIP). Most Traditional Medicaid members are enrolled in an MCO.
Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Medicaid
Covers seniors age 65+ and adults with disabilities who need nursing facility care or home and community-based waiver services. Non-MAGI eligibility rules with income and asset tests. Some LTSS members are enrolled in a specific Iowa MCO; others receive fee-for-service LTSS.
Hawk-i (CHIP)
Iowa's Children's Health Insurance Program for children in families with income above standard Medicaid limits but below the Hawk-i ceiling of approximately 302% FPL. Small monthly premiums apply. Operated as a separate CHIP program with its own premium schedule distinct from Traditional Medicaid.
Iowa's three Medicaid managed care organizations
Iowa uses a mandatory managed care model for most Medicaid members. The three contracted MCOs are:
- Iowa Total Care — a subsidiary of Centene Corporation
- Molina Healthcare of Iowa — a subsidiary of Molina Healthcare Inc.
- Wellpoint Iowa — previously known as Anthem, rebranded to Wellpoint
After enrollment in Iowa Medicaid, Iowa HHS assigns new members to one of the three MCOs or allows members to choose. Each MCO maintains its own provider network. Members can request a change to a different MCO in limited circumstances — contact Iowa HHS at 1-800-338-8366 for current plan-change policies.
Source: Iowa HHS Division of Medical Services, hhs.iowa.gov/medicaid; Iowa Medicaid managed care program details.
Iowa Medicaid topics
How to apply
Income limits
Dental coverage
Seniors and long-term care
Medicaid renewal
CHIP
What does Iowa Medicaid cover?
Medicaid covers a broad range of health services. Federal law mandates certain benefits — inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, lab work, X-rays, and nursing facility services, among others. States add optional services on top of those. Dental, vision, and long-term home care coverage vary by state.
The national benefits overview lists required and commonly optional services. Check the Iowa Medicaid website for the current state-specific benefit package.
How to apply
Most people can apply online through Iowa's Medicaid portal, by phone, or in person at a local eligibility office. The how to apply page walks through each method, what documents you'll need, and what to expect during the review period.
Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most standard Medicaid applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications). Iowa must follow that federal timeline.