This tool provides an estimate based on 2024 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines. Official determinations must be made by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
How Iowa Medicaid Eligibility is Determined
In Iowa, Medicaid (often referred to as IA Health Link) eligibility is primarily determined by two factors: your household size and your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Iowa participated in the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, which significantly broadened the income limits for adults aged 19 to 64.
2024 Income Limits (138% FPL)
For most non-disabled adults, the income limit is approximately 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. Below are the monthly estimates used for the current year:
Household Size
Max Monthly Income (Approx.)
1
$1,732
2
$2,351
3
$2,970
4
$3,588
Special Categories in Iowa
Pregnant Individuals: In Iowa, pregnant women are eligible at much higher income levels, typically up to 375% of the FPL.
Children (Hawk-i): Children in families with income too high for regular Medicaid may qualify for the Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (Hawk-i) program, which covers children up to 302% of the FPL.
Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD): These individuals follow different rules. Unlike the expansion group, ABD applicants often face an "Asset Test," where total countable resources must be below $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
How to Apply in Iowa
If you believe you are eligible, you can apply through the Iowa HHS Services Portal. You will need to provide proof of income (like pay stubs), Social Security numbers for all household members, and immigration status documentation if applicable. Most Iowa Medicaid members are enrolled in the IA Health Link managed care program, which allows you to choose between different insurance providers like Molina Healthcare or Wellmark.
function calculateIowaMedicaid() {
var hhSize = parseInt(document.getElementById("hhSize").value);
var income = parseFloat(document.getElementById("monthlyIncome").value);
var age = parseInt(document.getElementById("applicantAge").value);
var isPregnant = document.getElementById("isPregnant").value;
var isDisabled = document.getElementById("isDisabled").value;
var assets = parseFloat(document.getElementById("totalAssets").value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("ia-result");
if (isNaN(hhSize) || isNaN(income)) {
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
resultDiv.className = "not-eligible";
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Error: Please enter valid numbers for household size and income.";
return;
}
// 2024 Monthly FPL Values (Approximate)
var baseFPL = 1255;
var addPerPerson = 448;
var fpl100 = baseFPL + (addPerPerson * (hhSize – 1));
var isEligible = false;
var program = "";
var reason = "";
// 1. Check Pregnant Women (375% FPL)
if (isPregnant === "yes") {
if (income <= (fpl100 * 3.75)) {
isEligible = true;
program = "Iowa Medicaid for Pregnant Women";
}
}
// 2. Check Children (Under 19) – Medicaid/Hawk-i (approx 302% FPL)
if (!isEligible && age < 19) {
if (income <= (fpl100 * 1.67)) {
isEligible = true;
program = "Iowa Medicaid for Children";
} else if (income = 19 && age < 65) {
if (income = 65 || isDisabled === "yes")) {
var assetLimit = (hhSize > 1) ? 3000 : 2000;
if (income <= fpl100 && assets <= assetLimit) {
isEligible = true;
program = "Medicaid for Aged, Blind, and Disabled";
} else if (income assetLimit) {
reason = "Your income qualifies, but your assets exceed the $" + assetLimit + " limit for this category.";
}
}
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
if (isEligible) {
resultDiv.className = "eligible";
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Likely Eligible!Based on your details, you may qualify for " + program + ". Estimated Income Limit for your household: $" + Math.round(fpl100 * 1.38) + "/month (for standard adults). Your reported income: $" + income + ".";
} else {
resultDiv.className = "not-eligible";
var message = "Likely Not Eligible for Full Medicaid.";
if (reason !== "") {
message += reason;
} else {
message += "Your income of $" + income + " exceeds the estimated limit for your household size and category.";
}
message += "You may still qualify for subsidized plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov).";
resultDiv.innerHTML = message;
}
}