IowaCare is a health care program. It provides limited services for people not otherwise eligible for Medicaid. The goal of IowaCare is to provide some health care coverage to people who would otherwise have no coverage.

Iowa Medicaid’s IowaCare program expanded on January 1, 2012. Changes include the addition of primary health care providers at Federally Qualified Health Centers. There is now an emphasis on developing a “Medical Home” at providers that take part. Before the changes took effect, IowaCare services were only available at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Now, all IowaCare members have access to closer primary care at a designated Medical Home.

• Community Health Center of Fort Dodge
• Broadlawns Medical Center, Des Moines
• Crescent Community Health Center, Dubuque
• Peoples Community Health Clinic, Waterloo and Clarksville
• Council Bluffs Community Health Center, Council Bluffs
• Primary Health Care, Marshalltown
• University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City
• Siouxland Community Health Center, Sioux City

• Ages 19 through 64; 
• Whose family income is no more than 200% of the federal poverty level;
• Who are not eligible for Medicaid;
• Who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the medical condition for which they need treatment; and
• Who are citizens or lawful permanent residents.

For people whose income is 150% or less of the Federal Poverty Level, there is no monthly premium for IowaCare. For people whose income is between 151% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, the monthly premium is between $47.00 and $80.00. A hardship allowance may allow waiving premiums for IowaCare members.

• some inpatient and outpatient services; 
• doctor and advanced registered nurse practitioner services; 
• limited dental services; 
• limited prescription drug benefits; 
• limited transportation; 
• services to help quit smoking; and 
• routine preventative medical examinations. 

Services will vary among the medical home providers. Members should always check with their medical home about services they have. 
 

The local Medical Home in each area provides primary care. If hospital or specialty services are needed, the local Medical Home will refer the patient to Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines or the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Some communities provide free or low-cost transportation for health care appointments. Contact the local Medical Home if you need help getting to where you need to go for medical care.

You can get details on the IowaCare program from the Iowa Department of Human Services. You may also find out more at http://www.state.ia.us.