Official State of Iowa Website Here is how you know
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

How to Apply

HEALTH CARE

To apply for Health Care, go to the online Human Services benefits portal or download the paper Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs (Solicitud de cobertura mádica y sistencia para abonar el costo).

To report a change to an existing case, please download and complete this form. You can then email the completed form to IMCustomerSC@dhs.state.ia.us. Please see the instructions on the form for a complete list of ways to submit. 

If you were directed here from the Human Services benefits portal because you do not have an email address, download the Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs (Solicitud de cobertura mádica y sistencia para abonar el costo) to apply.

To discuss another person’s case, please download the Authorization to Obtain or Release Health Care Information form and send the completed form to Imaging Center 4, PO Box 2027 Cedar Rapids, IA 52406 or fax to 515-564-4017.

For information on how to apply for Nursing Facility Medicaid visit the Long Term Care page.

 

COVID-19 TESTING FOR UNINSURED

If you are uninsured and wish to apply for COVID-19 Testing medical coverage, complete an Application for COVID-19 Testing Coverage - (Solicitud de cobertura de la prueba para detectar el COVID-19).

Only use this application if you do not have health coverage and wish to be tested for COVID-19. The health coverage you will get if you are found eligible using this application will only pay for medical tests for COVID-19. It will not help you pay for other medical costs, including doctor visits, hospital care, or prescriptions.

To apply for full medical benefits, please visit dhsservices.iowa.gov.

 

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Rent Reimbursement

You can now apply for Rent Reimbursement for 2022 and 2021 claims using any device that connects to the internet. Click here to apply for Rent Reimbursement

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),  Family Investment Program (FIP) and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

To apply for SNAP and/or cash assistance programs (FIP or RCA), go to the online benefits portal or download the HHS Food and Financial Support Application (Solicitud de Ayuda Financiera).

If you were directed here from the Human Services benefits portal because you do not have an email address, download the  HHS Food and Financial Support Application (Solicitud de Ayuda Financiera) to apply. For help with completing your online application, please contact your local HHS Office.

 

WIC

To apply, contact your local WIC program and make an appointment. To find the agency closest to you, view the map

Child Care Assistance

To apply for Child Care Assistance, go to the Human Services Client Portal.

State Supplementary Assistance

To apply for State Supplementary Assistance, go to the Human Services benefits portal and complete the HHS application. To download a paper application, click here. To download a Spanish application, please click here. If you were directed here from the Human Services benefits portal because you do not have an email address, download the paper application to apply.

Family Planning Program (FPP)

  • You can apply for the FPP at an FPP family planning clinic.
  • You can also apply at the local HHS office in your area.
  • Remember that your income, citizenship and identity must be verified.
  • Services will be available immediately; however, it may take up to 30 days for an eligibility determination to be made.

 

Child Support Services

You may apply for Iowa Child Support Services online by going to the Apply for Child Support Services page on the Child Support Services website.

 

Disaster Assistance

Please visit the Disaster Assistance page for assistance grants availability and application details.

 

Estate Recovery

When you received Medicaid benefits, which includes capitation fees paid to a managed care organization, even if the plan did not pay for any services, the State of Iowa has the right to ask for money back from your estate after your death. Members affected by the estate recovery policy are those who: 

  • Are 55 years of age or older, regardless of where they are living; or
  • Are under age 55 and: 
    • Reside in a nursing facility, an intermediate care facility for persons with intellectual disability, or a mental health institute, and
    • Cannot reasonably be expected to be discharged and return home.