Iowa health and medical care for uninsured.
Iowa residents who have limited health insurance plans, or who are completely uninsured, may qualify for a number of government and/or non-profit assistance programs. The state, working with clinics, non-profits, and many other organizations, will do its best to ensure that people of all income levels have access to some form of free or low cost medical care.
Assistance can be provided for a number of medical bills and needs. For example, receive free or low cost prescription medications. Children can receive vaccinations, check ups, and dental care. The state will even provide health insurance to individuals in Iowa that have pre-existing conditions or that lost their coverage due to unemployment. Or get help in applying for Medicaid.
Iowa Care for Yourself will help women diagnose and treat chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular conditions. Receive assistance with preventing, delaying, or controlling the condition. Aid is only offered for low income and uninsured women. Dozens of testing sites are located across Iowa. Call 866-227-9878 to find a location.
A similar government program is the Breast/Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. It is offered for those who range in age from 40 to 64 who are not enrolled in Medicare Part. Some of the testing provided includes Pap tests, mammograms, clinical breast exams, and diagnostic follow-up services. 866-227-9878.
The Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program is also for people with HIV/AIDs. If the individual was previously working then and have begun to sick to work, then HIPP may be able to pay for some or all of your current health insurance plan. 888-346-9562
AIDS Drug Assistance is the primary federal government administered program that offers free medications and vaccinations for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Call 800-445-2437 for guidance. Assistance is only offered for people who do not have insurance or Medicaid, and the income limit needs to be around 200% of the federal government poverty guidelines. This will also factor in the number of household members.
The disabled in Iowa can receive free or low cost dental care. Services are offered to children, teenagers, students and other young adults who are disabled and low-income. The family also needs to be uninsured and also meet low income levels. Dial 319-356-1513.
Hawk-i, or Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa, is government mandated health insurance coverage for uninsured children and teenagers of working families. It will be offered for free to those who qualify. The applicant will need to be under 19 years of age, meet income standards, and not have access to other private or government health insurance.
Some of the other types of medical bills paid for include well-child visits, doctor visits, outpatient hospital visits vaccines and shots, emergency care, inpatient hospital services. As funding allows, resources can provide for prescription medicines, eyeglasses and vision exams, dental care, hospice care, speech and physical therapy, ambulance services, nursing care, mental health/substance abuse care, hearing tests, home health care, and chiropractic care. 800-257-8563
Another version of Iowa HIPP (see above) is a health insurance premium payment program and it will help people who currently receive Medicaid from the government. It will in effect assist those individuals who are currently on Medicaid, and it will help them keep their current (or find new) health insurance policy. HIPP doesn’t pay the bills or premiums for people who are receiving Medicare. Some of what HIPP will pay for includes deductibles, insurance premiums, coinsurance and other bills for those who are on Medicaid. Telephone number is 888-346-9562.
Pr-Existing Condition Insurance Plan is state and federal government health insurance for those previously denied health coverage and who are uninsured due to per-existing conditions. All applicants need to have been uninsured for the previous 6 months and have no other options available to them.
The patient will need to still pay some money towards their medical and hospital bills. A number of non-profit health care centers participate in the program. The program is formally known as the Iowa Comprehensive Health Association - HIP IOWA. 877-505-0513.
Iowa Medicaid is for the working poor, low income, and disabled. Federal government grants are combined with state funds to facilitate and pay for health care for low-income adults and families. 877-793-6880
The Prescription Medication Voucher Program can help residents buy any needed, but qualified, prescription drugs. The state partners with participating pharmacies and vouchers are used to pay for the prescription drugs. Some people may qualify for a 90 day supply of medications for a $3 voucher, and several medications are available. 866-282-5817
Another resource is the Vaccines for Iowa Children Program, or VFC. Non-profits, clinics, and doctors will provide qualified low income and uninsured children with low cost vaccinations for common ailments and diseases. This can include mumps, influenza, and many more. 515-281-7053
The state’s Prescription Discount Card is free to acquire and use, and it will provide consumers with savings of up to 50% on their medications. Hundreds of pharmacies in the state accept the card. Main phone number is 866-282-5817.
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