Iowa Medicaid: Income Limits, Eligibility and How to Apply
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Medicaid in Iowa is run by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Iowa adopted the Affordable Care Act expansion in 2014, so an adult under 65 qualifies on income alone at or below 138% of the poverty guideline: $1,835 a month for one person in 2026. Children are covered through Hawki, and the application is at hhsservices.iowa.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal or 800-338-8366. Every figure below is dated 2026-09-23.
| Program | Iowa Medicaid (IA Health Link); Iowa Health and Wellness Plan for expansion adults |
|---|---|
| Children | Hawki |
| Agency | Iowa Department of Health and Human Services |
| Apply | hhsservices.iowa.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal · 800-338-8366 |
| Expansion | Yes, since 2014 |
| Adult income limit, 2026 | $22,025 a year for one person; $45,540 for four |
| Work requirement | December 1, 2026 |
Who qualifies in Iowa
Adults 19 to 64 not on Medicare qualify at or below 138% of poverty (133% plus a 5% disregard), on household modified adjusted gross income, with no asset test. The 2026 figures:
| Household size | Annual income at 138% | Monthly | 100% of poverty (marketplace floor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,835 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $2,489 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $3,142 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $4,448 | $38,680 |
Computed from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (January 15, 2026).
Children (Hawki), pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities use other limits that Iowa sets above the federal minimums.
How Iowa compares
Iowa expanded on the first day it could, January 1, 2014, with the original group of states. It is also one of 4 states (Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska) starting the work requirement before the federal deadline. Iowa uses the plain "Medicaid" name, so the card and letters say what they are.
How to apply for Iowa Medicaid
- Apply online at hhsservices.iowa.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal, or call 800-338-8366. HealthCare.gov also takes Medicaid applications and forwards them to Iowa. There is no enrollment period; any day works.
- Report this month's income.
A Iowa Medicaid case also qualifies you for a free phone (Iowa carriers, paperwork) and shares documents with Iowa SNAP.
What changes in Iowa
Iowa has set its own start for the federal work requirement: December 1, 2026. Six-month renewals for expansion adults begin with renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027. The nationwide changes are on the hub with CMS sources.
Iowa specifics
- Iowa's page says that by December 1, 2026 certain Iowa Health and Wellness Plan members must meet monthly community engagement requirements, a month ahead of the federal deadline.
- Offices serve Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and every county; hospitals and health centers also employ enrollment assisters.
Whether Iowa Medicaid pays for dental or weight-loss drugs is Iowa's choice; see does Medicaid cover.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in Iowa for 2026?
$22,025 a year for one adult, $29,863 for two and $45,540 for four (138% of the 2026 poverty guideline); children go higher through Hawki.
Does Iowa have a Medicaid work requirement?
Yes: Iowa has set December 1, 2026, for expansion adults 19 to 64 (80 hours a month, with exemptions listed on the hub).
Sources
- Iowa Medicaid: state program page
- HHS: 2026 poverty guidelines
- HealthCare.gov: Medicaid expansion and you (138%)
- Federal Register: community engagement interim final rule (June 3, 2026)
- CMS: 2025 law section-by-section overview
Gov-Grants.org is an independent guide, not a carrier and not a government agency. We never charge fees, and every fact above links to its source with the date we checked it. Program details change; confirm on the official site before applying.