IHAWP Member Work Requirements

Iowa HHS is requesting approval from CMS to amend the state's §1115 Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP). The amendment would require certain IHAWP members to meet work requirements to keep their health coverage.

IHAWP provides health care to low-income, uninsured Iowans aged 19 to 64. The state aims to implement these requirements for non-exempt members to promote economic stability and reduce reliance on public assistance.

Qualifying activities include:

• Working 100 hours (or earnings equal to the state minimum wage multiplied by 100)
• Job skills training
• Enrollment in educational or job skills program(s)
• Caregiving services

Work requirements apply only to IHAWP members ages 19–64, unless exempt.

Exemptions include: 

• Children
• Caretakers of children under age 6
• Women with a high-risk pregnancy OR if pregnant and eligible under a different coverage group
• People in treatment for a substance use disorder
• People with disability status
• Individuals that are eligible under a traditional Medicaid coverage group
• Iowans living in nursing homes
• Iowans on a Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver
• People who are in active treatment for breast or cervical cancer
• Already meeting SNAP and TANF work requirements (or are exempted)

HHS is amending the IHAWP 1115 Demonstration and requesting CMS approval, effective July 1, 2025. 

Implementation is planned for 2025, with a target start date of January 1, 2026.

For questions about who qualifies for IHAWP, call Member Services toll free at 1-800-338-8366 or email IMEmember@hhs.iowa.gov.