By December 1, 2026, certain IHAWP members must meet monthly requirements to enroll and maintain coverage. These requirements are designed to encourage work and community involvement.
There are several ways to meet these new requirements, including working, participating in an education or work program, completing community service, or combining different activities.
List items for IHAWP Work Requirement Activities
You must either:
Work at least 80 hours per month, or
Earn at least $580 per month based on the federal minimum wage.*
Work can be:
Paid work
Work in exchange for goods or services (in-kind work)
Unpaid work
Seasonal workers: Income is averaged over six months.
Enroll in a qualifying job training or work program for 80+ hours per month.
Enrolling in an education program at least half-time meets work requirements. Education programs include:
High school GED program at a community college
Community college
Vocational and technical school
4-year colleges and universities leading to a bachelor’s degree
1-2 year programs leading to a master’s or higher-level degree
Community service through unpaid work with a structured program completed for the benefit of the community meets work requirement activities. Community service hours do not have to be voluntary. They may be court ordered.
Community service cannot be partisan activities, benefit specific individuals, or be purely recreational in nature.
Examples of community service locations:
Schools
Humane society
Libraries
Food banks
Park volunteer
You can meet the requirement by completing a combination of activities totaling at least 80 hours per month, including:
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 are excluded from these new requirements.
These groups include:
American Indians/Alaska Natives
Those under 19 or over 64
Individuals who are medically frail or otherwise have special medical needs
NOTE: The state may require medical documentation for the medically frail exclusion.
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]
Participants can meet the community engagement requirements by completing approved volunteer hours. Volunteer Iowa’s Get Connected platform provides an easy way to find and sign up for local volunteer opportunities that qualify toward these requirements.
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.
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).
