Take action now to protect your coverage
Changes coming to Iowa Medicaid could affect some Greene County residents enrolled in the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP). Greene County Medical Center staff is encouraging members to learn what the changes mean for them now, before a notice arrives or a renewal deadline approaches.
Beginning Dec. 1, 2026, certain IHAWP members will be required to complete at least 80 hours each month of work, education, job training, community service or a combination of these activities to maintain eligibility. Current members will encounter the new requirements as part of renewals occurring in early 2027.
Not everyone will be subject to the new requirements. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lists exemptions for several groups, including people who are medically frail or have certain serious medical needs; caregivers of children younger than 14 years or individuals with disabilities; people who are pregnant or recently gave birth; participants in qualifying SNAP or FIP work programs; veterans with a total disability rating; and others.
For those who are subject to the requirements, qualifying activities can include:
–Working at least 80 hours per month or earning at least $580 per month based on federal minimum wage
–Attending an eligible education program at least half-time
–Participating in a qualifying job training or work program
–Completing qualifying community service
–Combining activities to reach 80 hours per month
The most important thing IHAWP members can do right now is pay attention.
Iowa HHS recommends updating your contact information, watching your mail and email for notices, keeping track of qualifying hours, and gathering documentation that may be needed to verify your activities or an exemption.
“Health coverage is too important to risk losing because a notice was overlooked or paperwork wasn’t completed,” said Maddeline Smith, a financial counselor at Greene County Medical Center. “We want our patients to know about the changes before they affect them. If you receive IHAWP coverage, take a few minutes now to find out whether the new requirements apply to you and what you may need to do.”
Greene County Medical Center’s financial counselors are available to help patients understand what steps they may need to take and where to find additional information and support. Contact counselors at 515-386-0278 or 515-386-0199.
Persons can also contact Iowa Health and Human Services at 877-347-5678. For complete information about community engagement requirements, exemptions, qualifying activities and how to determine whether the changes apply to you, visit IHAWP Community Engagement Requirements | Health & Human Services.
