IHAWP Community Engagement Requirements

These requirements take effect on December 1, 2026, for individuals who apply on or after that date. IHAWP members who are active and scheduled for renewal on or after February 2027, must meet this requirement.

If the requirement applies to you, you must spend at least 80 hours each month on one or more of these activities:

• Work: Work for 80 hours per month or earn at least $580 per month (based on federal minimum wage).* Income from seasonal work may be averaged over six months.
• Job Training: Take part in a qualifying job training or work program for 80 hours per month.
• Education: Enrolled in a high school, college, GED, or other career and technical programs at least half-time.
• Community Service: Volunteer work for 80 hours per month.

You can combine different activities to reach your 80 hours.

Some people on the IHAWP program do not have to complete community engagement activities.

You are excluded if:

• American Indians/Alaska Natives
• Those under 19 or over 64
• Individuals who are medically frail or otherwise have special medical needs
• Pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months while on Iowa Medicaid
• Caregivers of children under 14 or someone with a disability
• Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program
• Participants in SNAP or FIP work programs
• Veterans rated as totally disabled
• Individuals currently or recently in jail or prison

• Update your contact information. Make sure Iowa HHS has your current information (like address, phone number, and email address) so they can contact you about these eligibility changes.
• Check your mail and email. Iowa HHS will send you a letter or email in the upcoming months if the eligibility changes apply to you.
• Track your activities. Keep track of any work, volunteer, job training, or school hours you complete each month. Start now so you’ll be ready to show that you meet the new requirement when it’s time to renew your coverage.
• Gather documents. Gather documents in case you need to show proof that you meet the community engagement requirement or that you qualify for an exclusion. 

To report a change call 1-877-347-5678 or by emailing [email protected] 

If you want to see whether these requirements apply to you, visit our Self-Service Portal and chat with Ellie, our virtual assistant.

To report a change call 1-877-347-5678 or by emailing [email protected] 

More information will be shared at a later date.

If the new requirement applies to you and you don’t meet it, your Medicaid coverage may be denied or discontinued.

If this happens:

• You can apply again at any time. Visit Iowa’s Self Service Portal at https://hhsservices.iowa.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal to get started if you lose coverage.
• You might be able to get health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace®, but you might not qualify for financial help to lower your monthly premium. Visit HealthCare.gov to find or enroll in a health plan or call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).

• Call 1-877-347-5678 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
• Email us at [email protected]