CHIP in Iowa

Iowa at a glance

Iowa is home to about 189,988 foreign-born residents (5.9% of the state’s 3,210,507 people) and 233,706 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (7.3%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Iowa regardless of immigration status unless noted.

CHIP covers health insurance for uninsured children from families earning too much for Medicaid but unable to afford private insurance.

CHIP eligibility limits in Iowa (verified data)

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — CHIP data by state

Verified on: 2026-05-25

Children’s health coverage in Iowa

Child ageMedicaid (% FPL)
Infants 0-1 yearup to 305% FPL
Children 1-5 yearsup to 172% FPL
Children 6-18 yearsup to 172% FPL

CHIP upper income limit in Iowa: 307% of FPL

How to apply for CHIP in Iowa

  1. Combined Medicaid+CHIP application via healthcare.gov
  2. Iowa state application (some states have own portal)
  3. By phone: 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669)

Iowa adopted CHIPRA Option

Iowa adopted the CHIPRA option, eliminating the 5-year bar for permanent-resident children. This means a child with a new green card (under 5 years in US) can qualify for CHIP in Iowa without waiting.

How to apply for CHIP in Iowa

  1. Visit Healthcare.gov or Iowa’s Medicaid/CHIP portal
  2. Complete the application — ONE application covers both Medicaid AND CHIP automatically
  3. Iowa determines if your child qualifies for one or the other

Typical coverage

CHIP covers: doctor visits, vaccines, hospitalization, dental, vision, prescriptions, mental health.

Income limits

Generally 200-300% federal poverty level. For family of 4: ~$60,000-$90,000/year.

Costs

CHIP has very low co-pays (sometimes $0) and low monthly premiums ($0-$50/month).

Last verified: 2026-06-15.