The IowaCare Program
by: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
IowaCare is a state program that can provide low-cost health care to many Iowans. You may be eligible if:
- you are between 19 and 65
- your household income is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and
- you do not have other health insurance.
This means that for 2007, your household income must be less than the following:
| Persons in Household |
Monthly Income Limit |
| One |
$1,702 |
| Two |
$2,282 |
| Three |
$2,862 |
| Four |
$3,442 |
Pregnant women can be eligible at even higher levels of income. Contact your local Iowa Department of Human Services or local Iowa Legal Aid office for details.
IowaCare may charge you a monthly premium depending on your income. For 2007, the premium for a one-person household is between $0 per month for a household with no income AND$80 per month for a household close to the upper limit. For a two-person household, the premium can be from $0 to about $114 per month.
An Example of How the Program Works
Here is how the costs of the program would apply to your household if:
- You and your spouse are both 60 years old.
- You do not have health insurance.
- Your total household income is $1,800 per month.
You should both be eligible for IowaCare. The monthly premium would be about $90 each. This is very reasonable when you compare it to the $93.50 monthly cost of Medicare Part B. In addition, IowaCare would generally provide more coverage.
What IowaCare Covers
The IowaCare program covers many medical and dental services. IowaCare also covers some prescription drug benefits. Most of the time, you must go to either Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines or the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Broadlawns only provides services if you live in Polk County. Anyone can go to the University of Iowa. There are FREE TRANSPORTATION services to get you there. Some mental health services are provided at the state Mental Health Institutes. They are located in Cherokee, Clarinda, Independence and Mt. Pleasant. Pregnant women can get services at other locations.
If you want to apply for this program, contact your local Iowa Department of Human Services office. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal.
Note this is a general summary of this program. There are other rules and exceptions that may apply. For details, you should contact your local Iowa Department of Human Services office. You can call your local Iowa Legal Aid office for general assistance or for help with an appeal. Call 1-800-532-1275 to find out which office serves your county. If you are 60 or over, you can also contact the Legal Hotline for Older Iowans at 1-800-992-8161.
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