How to apply for Iowa Medicaid for people who are aged (65+), blind, or disabled

Who it's for

Iowa Medicaid is health coverage for people with low income. Adults who are elderly (age 65 or older), blind, or disabled under Social Security rules can qualify. People who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) get Iowa Medicaid automatically. If your income is too high, the Medically Needy (spend down) program may still help: once your medical bills use up the extra income over a two-month period, Medicaid can start. Spend down can count medicines, paid or unpaid medical bills, nursing home care, and rides to medical visits. Apply online through the Iowa HHS Self-Service Portal, by phone at 1-855-889-7985, by mail, or at a local HHS office. For questions, call Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-338-8366.

What you'll need

• Social Security numbers (or document numbers for legal immigrants who need coverage)
• Income information for everyone in the family (for example, pay stubs or W-2 forms)
• Policy numbers for any current health insurance
• Copies of medical bills and receipts, if you need to meet a spend down

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Iowa Medicaid for people who are aged (65+), blind, or disabled. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need social Security numbers (or document numbers for legal immigrants who need coverage), income information for everyone in the family (for example, pay stubs or W-2 forms), policy numbers for any current health insurance — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check whether this program fits your situation. It is for people age 65 or older, or for people who are blind or disabled under Social Security rules. If you get SSI, Iowa Medicaid is automatic.
2. Gather Social Security numbers for everyone applying, or document numbers for legal immigrants who need coverage.
3. Gather income information for everyone in the family, such as pay stubs or W-2 forms.
4. Gather policy numbers for any current health insurance. If you may need a spend down, also gather copies of medical bills and receipts.
5. Apply for Iowa Medicaid online through the Iowa HHS Self-Service Portal or apply by phone at 1-855-889-7985.
6. Answer all questions fully and share your documents when asked. If your income is over the regular limit, ask about the Medically Needy spend down program.
7. Call Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-338-8366 if you have questions about the application or your coverage.

What to expect: After you apply, Iowa HHS reviews your information and makes the final decision. Iowa has several Medicaid groups for older and disabled adults, and each group has its own income and savings rules. If your income is too high, you may still qualify through a spend down based on medical costs over a two-month period. Processing times vary, so ask the agency if you want an estimate. If approved, be ready to renew your coverage every year.

Renewals

annual