Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Iowa Medicaid income limits for 2025 help you know if you qualify for health coverage. The limits changed in January 2025 based on new federal poverty guidelines.
Quick Summary:
- Adults can earn up to $21,597 per year (138% FPL)
- Children qualify up to $26,136 yearly (167% FPL)
- Pregnant women qualify up to $45,473 yearly (215% FPL)
- Disabled workers can earn up to $39,125 yearly (250% FPL)
- Nursing home care has a $2,901 monthly income limit
- All limits increased by 2.9% from 2024
Learn more about Medicaid income limits 2025 by state to compare Iowa with other states.
Page Contents
- 1 What Is the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)?
- 2 2025 Federal Poverty Level Chart
- 3 What does “Iowa Medicaid income limits 2026” mean?
- 4 Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (Medicaid Expansion)
- 5 Medicaid for Children and Hawki Program
- 6 Medicaid for Pregnant Women
- 7 Medicaid for Employed People with Disabilities (MEPD)
- 8 Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Medicaid
- 9 Medically Needy Program (Spend-Down)
- 10 Medicare Savings Programs
- 11 How to Apply for Iowa Medicaid
- 12 What Income Counts?
- 13 What Assets Count?
- 14 Common Questions
- 15 Frequently Asked Questions 2025
- 15.1 1. What is the income limit for Iowa Medicaid in 2025?
- 15.2 2. Can I qualify for Iowa Medicaid if I work or have a job?
- 15.3 3. What income limit applies to children under 19 in Iowa?
- 15.4 4. What is the income limit for pregnant women on Iowa Medicaid?
- 15.5 5. Are there asset limits for Iowa Medicaid?
- 15.6 6. What if my income is over the Iowa Medicaid limit?
- 15.7 7. What is the nursing home Medicaid income limit in Iowa for 2025?
- 15.8 8. How do I apply for Iowa Medicaid and how long does it take?
- 16 Key Takeaways
- 17 Official Resources
- 18 About the Author
What Is the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)?
The Federal Poverty Level is a number set by the federal government each year.
It helps states decide who can get Medicaid. For 2025, the FPL for one person is $15,650 per year.
For a family of four, it is $32,150 per year. Iowa uses these numbers to set Medicaid income limits.
2025 Federal Poverty Level Chart
Quick Reference:
- 1 person: $15,650 (100%) | $21,597 (138%) | $26,136 (167%) | $33,648 (215%) | $39,125 (250%)
- 2 people: $21,150 (100%) | $29,187 (138%) | $35,321 (167%) | $45,473 (215%) | $52,875 (250%)
- 3 people: $26,650 (100%) | $36,777 (138%) | $44,506 (167%) | $57,298 (215%) | $66,625 (250%)
- 4 people: $32,150 (100%) | $44,367 (138%) | $53,691 (167%) | $69,123 (215%) | $80,375 (250%)
For each extra person, add $5,500 to the 100% FPL amount.
| Family Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL | 167% FPL | 215% FPL | 250% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,650 | $21,597 | $26,136 | $33,648 | $39,125 |
| 2 people | $21,150 | $29,187 | $35,321 | $45,473 | $52,875 |
| 3 people | $26,650 | $36,777 | $44,506 | $57,298 | $66,625 |
| 4 people | $32,150 | $44,367 | $53,691 | $69,123 | $80,375 |
| 5 people | $37,650 | $51,957 | $62,876 | $80,948 | $94,125 |
| 6 people | $43,150 | $59,547 | $72,061 | $92,773 | $107,875 |
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
What does “Iowa Medicaid income limits 2026” mean?
“Iowa Medicaid income limits 2026” means the maximum income allowed to qualify for Medicaid in Iowa during calendar year 2026.
Iowa updates Medicaid limits when:
- New Federal Poverty Levels are released
- State policy updates take effect
⚠️ As of now, Iowa is still using 2025 income limits.
These usually apply until March or April 2026.
This article shows:
- The current official limits
- How they apply in early 2026
- What may change later in the year
Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (Medicaid Expansion)
Who Qualifies?
Adults aged 19 to 64 can get coverage.
You must earn less than 138% of the FPL.
You cannot have Medicare or other Medicaid.
You must live in Iowa.
2025 Income Limits for Adults
| Family Size | Annual Limit | Monthly Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,597 | $1,800 |
| 2 people | $29,187 | $2,432 |
| 3 people | $36,777 | $3,065 |
| 4 people | $44,367 | $3,697 |
The Iowa Health and Wellness Plan covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.
There are no premiums in your first year.
After year one, you may pay a small monthly fee if you earn over 101% FPL.
You can waive this fee by completing a wellness exam.
Medicaid for Children and Hawki Program
Free Medicaid for Children
Children under 19 qualify for free Medicaid.
Their family must earn 167% FPL or less.
This includes doctor visits, dental care, vision care, and vaccines.
Hawki Program (Iowa CHIP)
Hawki helps children whose families earn too much for Medicaid.
The income limit is 302% of the FPL.
2025 Hawki Income Limits
Source: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Quick Reference by Family Size:
- 1 child: Free up to $26,136 | Free Hawki $26,137-$28,327 | $10/child $28,328-$38,030 | $20/child $38,031-$47,263
- 2 people: Free up to $35,321 | Free Hawki $35,322-$38,282 | $10/child $38,283-$51,395 | $20/child $51,396-$63,873
- 3 people: Free up to $44,506 | Free Hawki $44,507-$48,237 | $10/child $48,238-$64,760 | $20/child $64,761-$80,483
- 4 people: Free up to $53,691 | Free Hawki $53,692-$58,192 | $10/child $58,193-$78,125 | $20/child $78,126-$97,093
| Family Size | Free Medicaid | Free Hawki | $10/Child | $20/Child |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 child | Up to $26,136 | $28,327 | $38,030 | Up to $47,263 |
| 2 people | Up to $35,321 | $38,282 | $51,395 | Up to $63,873 |
| 3 people | Up to $44,506 | $48,237 | $64,760 | Up to $80,483 |
| 4 people | Up to $53,691 | $58,192 | $78,125 | Up to $97,093 |
No family pays more than $40 per month total.
Hawki also offers a dental-only plan for $5 to $15 per child.
Check your Iowa Hawki eligibility here.
Medicaid for Pregnant Women
2025 Pregnancy Income Limits
Iowa changed the income limit for pregnant women in 2024.
The new limit is 215% of the FPL.
Your unborn baby counts as a family member.
| Family Size | Annual Limit | Monthly Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 2 (1 adult + unborn) | $45,473 | $3,789 |
| 3 people | $57,298 | $4,775 |
| 4 people | $69,123 | $5,760 |
Postpartum Coverage
If you qualify during pregnancy, coverage lasts 12 months after birth.
Your income can go up after delivery.
You will still keep coverage for the full year.
This helps new mothers get checkups and mental health care.
Medicaid for Employed People with Disabilities (MEPD)
What Is MEPD?
MEPD helps people with disabilities who work.
It lets you earn more money and keep Medicaid.
2025 MEPD Income Limits
You can earn up to 250% of the FPL.
| Family Size | Annual Limit | Monthly Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $39,125 | $3,261 |
| 2 people | $52,875 | $4,407 |
Asset Limits
- Single person: $12,000
- Married couple: $21,000 (starting August 2025)
MEPD Monthly Premiums
If you earn over 150% FPL, you pay a monthly premium.
The amount depends on your income.
| Monthly Income | Premium Amount |
|---|---|
| $0 – $1,957 | $0 |
| $1,958 – $2,152 | $59 |
| $2,153 – $2,348 | $70 |
| $2,349 – $2,609 | $82 |
| $2,610 – $2,935 | $97 |
| $2,936 – $3,261 | $113 |
Higher incomes pay up to $913 per month.
This is still less than most private insurance.
Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Medicaid
2025 Institutional Care Limits
If you need nursing home care, the income limit is $2,901 per month.
If you earn more, you can use a Miller Trust to qualify.
Asset Limits for Long-Term Care
- Single person: $2,000
- Married couple: $3,000
Your home is exempt if you plan to return.
One car is always exempt.
Personal Needs Allowance
If Medicaid pays for your nursing home, you keep $55 per month for personal needs.
This is up from $50 in 2024.
Spousal Protection Rules
If your spouse stays home, they can keep:
- Between $31,584 and $157,920 in assets
- Up to $3,948 per month in income
These rules prevent financial hardship for the healthy spouse.
Medically Needy Program (Spend-Down)
What Is Spend-Down?
Some people earn too much for regular Medicaid.
They can still qualify by “spending down” their income.
This means paying medical bills until you reach the limit.
2025 Medically Needy Income Limits
| Family Size | Monthly Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $483 |
| 2 people | $483 |
| 3 people | $566 |
| 4 people | $666 |
The asset limit is $10,000 per household.
How Spend-Down Works
You must meet your spend-down every two months.
Example: You earn $1,000 per month. The limit is $483.
Your excess income is $517 per month.
For two months, you need $1,034 in medical bills.
Once you meet this, Medicaid covers the rest.
Medicare Savings Programs
Who Qualifies?
If you have Medicare and low income, Iowa Medicaid can help.
These programs pay your Medicare premiums and costs.
2025 Income Limits for Medicare Help
| Program | Income Limit | Individual | Couple |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | 100% FPL | $1,304/month | $1,763/month |
| SLMB | 120% FPL | $1,565/month | $2,115/month |
| QI | 135% FPL | $1,761/month | $2,380/month |
QMB pays for Part A, Part B, deductibles, and copays.
SLMB and QI only pay the Part B premium.
Asset limits are $17,220 for one person and $25,840 for couples.
How to Apply for Iowa Medicaid
Online Application
Visit the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website.
Create an account and fill out the application.
Upload proof of income, residency, and identity.
In-Person Application
Visit your local Iowa HHS office.
Bring your ID, pay stubs, and utility bills.
By Phone
Call Iowa Medicaid at 1-877-347-5678.
Ask for help with your application.
Application Tips
- Apply as soon as possible
- Gather documents before starting
- Answer all questions honestly
- Keep copies of everything you submit
- Follow up if you don’t hear back in 30 days
What Income Counts?
Iowa Medicaid counts most types of income:
- Wages from jobs
- Self-employment income
- Social Security benefits
- SSI payments
- Unemployment benefits
- Child support received
- Pension or retirement income
Iowa does not count:
- Child support paid out
- Certain veterans benefits
- Some scholarships and grants
- SSI payments (for some programs)
For MAGI programs (adults, children, pregnant women), Medicaid uses your Modified Adjusted Gross Income.
This is your adjusted gross income from taxes.
What Assets Count?
For non-MAGI programs (disabled, elderly, nursing home), Iowa checks your assets.
Exempt Assets (Don’t Count)
- Your primary home
- One vehicle
- Household items and furniture
- Burial plots
- Irrevocable burial trusts
- Up to $1,500 in life insurance
Countable Assets
- Cash and checking accounts
- Savings accounts
- Stocks and bonds
- Extra vehicles
- Investment properties
- 401(k) and IRA accounts
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions 2025
1. What is the income limit for Iowa Medicaid in 2025?
- 1 person: $21,597 per year
- 2 people: $29,187 per year
- 3 people: $36,777 per year
- 4 people: $44,367 per year
2. Can I qualify for Iowa Medicaid if I work or have a job?
- Working adults can qualify under Medicaid Expansion
- People with disabilities who work can qualify through MEPD
- Only your countable income matters, not employment itself
3. What income limit applies to children under 19 in Iowa?
- Free Medicaid: up to 167% FPL ($53,691 for a 4-person family)
- Hawki (CHIP): up to 302% FPL
4. What is the income limit for pregnant women on Iowa Medicaid?
- 2 people (pregnant woman + unborn baby): $45,473 per year
- 3 people: $57,298 per year
- 4 people: $69,123 per year
5. Are there asset limits for Iowa Medicaid?
No asset limits (MAGI Medicaid): Adults under 65, children, and pregnant women.
Asset limits apply to: Disabled adults (MEPD limit $12,000 single), seniors (65+), and nursing home care ($2,000 single).
Your primary home and one car generally do not count toward these limits.
6. What if my income is over the Iowa Medicaid limit?
- Medically Needy (Spend-Down) program
- Hawki for children
- Marketplace insurance with subsidies
- Miller Trust for nursing home care
7. What is the nursing home Medicaid income limit in Iowa for 2025?
- Income limit: $2,901 per month
- Asset limit: $2,000 (single)
- Personal needs allowance: $55/month
8. How do I apply for Iowa Medicaid and how long does it take?
Key Takeaways
Iowa Medicaid serves over 600,000 people.
Income limits changed in 2025 with new federal poverty guidelines.
Adults qualify at 138% FPL ($21,597 for one person).
Children qualify at 167% FPL ($26,136 for one person).
Pregnant women qualify at 215% FPL ($45,473 for two people).
Disabled workers can earn up to 250% FPL ($39,125 for one person).
Apply online, by phone, or in person.
Don’t wait—apply as soon as you think you qualify.
Official Resources
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
- Apply for Iowa Medicaid Online
- Federal Poverty Guidelines 2025
- Medicaid.gov Official Site
About the Author
My name is Akash Biswas. I like to read hard government rules and make them easy to understand. Many people find Medicaid and Medicare confusing, and that is okay. I want to help.
I made this website so families can learn in simple words. I take big, hard information and break it into small, easy steps. I want every person to feel calm and sure when they read about Medicaid or Medicare.
My goal is to help you understand who can get help, how to apply, and what to do next. I hope this website makes your life easier and helps you get the care you need.
I study Medicaid and Medicare rules every day and work hard to share clear, correct, and easy information for all families.
Credentials:
- MSW in Social Work
- Former SNAP & Medicaid caseworker trainer
- Advocate for accessible benefits education
- Published writer on poverty, healthcare access, and food security
Akash personally writes and reviews most of the articles and calculators on CheckMedicaid.com, ensuring they are accurate, practical, and easy to understand.
