Program Description
Medicaid is a program that pays for covered medical and health care costs of people who qualify. The Medicaid program is funded by Federal, state, and local governments and is managed by the Iowa Department of Human Services. A wide range of medical and health care services is available through the Medicaid program. These services are covered only if they are medically necessary. Medicaid recipients have free choice of a doctor, dentist, pharmacy, and other providers of services. However, in many counties, some people covered by Medicaid are required to get certain medical services through a managed health care provider (either a health maintenance organization (HMO) or a MediPass doctor). These people have the opportunity to select a provider, however, if they do not select one they will be assigned to a provider. A provider that chooses to participate in the Medicaid program must accept the payments that Medicaid makes and make no additional charges to the recipient for services covered under the program. However, some services covered by Medicaid do require a small co-payment be paid.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Iowa, a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income. You must also be either pregnant, have a child(ren) with a disability, or be responsible for children under 19 years of age.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
The county DHS office serving your county is also listed in the
State or County Government section of your local phone book, under
"Department of Human Services" or just "Human Services".
Or:
1-800-972-2017
You may also contact the Department's Field Office Support Unit by
calling:
515-281-6899
Any county DHS office can answer questions about the programs and
services described here. You can also get an application form from any
county Department of Human Services (DHS) office. Click on the link below to
find the location of the county DHS office nearest you:
http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/Consumers/Find_Help/MapLocations.html
