Health
Ask about it
Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Programs in Iowa
Iowa programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Iowa Medicaid
Iowa Medicaid helps pay health care costs for eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa
In Iowa, CHIP is called Hawki.
Hawki provides health coverage to eligible children whose families earn too much for Medicaid.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Behavioral Health Service System
The Behavioral Health Service System connects Iowans to mental health and substance use services.
No state-run general marketplace; Iowa residents use the federal Marketplace
Health Insurance Marketplace
Iowa residents can compare and enroll in health insurance plans through the federal Marketplace.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal programs
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Medicare
Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Most people sign up through Social Security, online at SSA.gov or by phone. Medicare.gov compares plans.
Social Security Administration
Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security. People with Medicaid or SSI may get it without applying.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
HealthCare.gov
The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA health care
Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Apply online at VA.gov, by phone, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center.
Checked on October 9, 2026
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Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
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