The Basics

Medicaid is a public program that helps pay medical expenses for people with low income. How you may qualify depends on your family’s situation, including things like whether you have a disability and how much you have in income.

This article focuses on the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP), which is a way that adults under the age of 65 who make 138% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) or less can qualify for Medicaid ($1,800 per month or less for a person, $3,697 or less for a family of four). Children under 19 can get similar Medicaid or Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (Hawki) coverage when their family income is 307% of FPG or less ($8,225 per month for a family of four).

If you qualify, Medicaid will help pay for your visits to the doctor, hospital stays, prescription drugs, medical equipment, and other medical services. Some people worry that if their income goes up, they’ll lose their Medicaid. In 2026, if you get Medicaid and your income goes up, you will have more options that may let you stay with Medicaid or get help paying for a private health plan.

This article is about the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan and will help you understand:

• If it is right for you
• Different ways you may qualify for Medicaid if you have a disability
• What services it covers
• How much you will have to pay, and
• How to sign up.

If, after reading this article, you need more help in understanding Medicaid, we recommend you talk to trained experts who can help you. Here are some good resources:

• Visit or call your local Health and Human Services (HHS) office.
• Talk to an Iowa health insurance navigator. You can call them at 1-877-474-6284 or make an appointment online.
• Get local help from HealthCare.gov.
• If you have a disability, talk to a benefits planner to learn more about health programs for people with disabilities.