Federal Foundation Assistance Monitor

(HEALTH CARE) IA Expands Children's Health Program

Iowa—The state expands health insurance options for Iowa children, by expanding eligibility and allocating additional resources for the Hawk-I program, Iowa's children's health insurance plan.

The law:

  • Increases eligibility levels to 300% of the federal poverty level (an increase from the previous eligibility level of 250%).
  • Dictates that state tax forms be used to identify uninsured children and notify their families of public insurance programs.
  • Requires parents of uninsured children to enroll them in public health insurance programs.
  • Makes children without dental coverage eligible for Hawk-I dental services, including children covered under a private health insurance plan lacks dental coverage.

The new law provides $5.7 million for the state's Medicaid and Hawk-I programs, which will provide access to 12,380 additional children.

Info: For more on the new law, please visit www.governor.iowa.gov/news/2009/05/19_2.php.

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