Resources to Assist with Medical Care for Children

By Sherri Edwards, Dubuque County Empowerment, and Resource Agencies

If your children do not have health care coverage, several programs are available in Iowa, including Medicaid (Title XIX or 19), Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (hawk-i), and Title V (Title 5) for Maternal and Child Health. Here’s a comparison of each according to the Iowa Department of Human Services.

Medicaid

Medicaid pays for medical and dental costs of those who qualify, including children and pregnant women. Applicants must meet income limits and participate in annual eligibility reviews. There is no charge, and families can have other insurance and still qualify. Children may qualify even if parents do not. To apply, contact the local Department of Human Services (DHS). The first step is to gather important information (ask DHS for a list) and complete a Medicaid Application. DHS workers can help families understand application questions. For more information in Dubuque County, call DHS at (563) 557-8251.

Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (hawk-i)

If a child under age 19 is not eligible for Medicaid, he or she may qualify for hawk-i health coverage. hawk-i makes affordable health insurance available to families with incomes too high for Medicaid but too low to afford insurance. Families must meet guidelines to qualify. hawk-i does not provide insurance for adults. For children, hawk-i covers doctor visits, check-ups, shots, hospital, surgery, dental visits, prescriptions, vision, hearing, mental health, and emergencies. To obtain more information about hawk-i or to enroll, go to www.hawk-i.org or call 1-800-257-8563. In Dubuque County, call the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) at (563) 556-6200.

Title V for Maternal and Child Health Services

Title V provides maternal and child health services through agencies or by referral. It covers preventive services and is not an insurance plan. In Iowa, women of childbearing age and children under age 21 can apply. Applicants must meet requirements and verify income eligibility. Services include immunizations, exams, screenings (vision, lead, hearing, speech, oral health), nutrition assessment, prenatal and postpartum care, and more. Title V services for children with special health care needs are provided by Child Health Specialty Clinics (CHSC). CHSC serves children, birth through age 21, who have a chronic condition or who have increased risk for a chronic condition and need special services. Services include assessing growth, development, and causes of a condition; parent support; and care coordination.

For more information, contact the Iowa Department of Public Health at 1-800-383-3826. In Dubuque County, for Child Health, call the VNA at (563) 556-6200, and for Maternal Health, call Hillcrest at (563) 557-4444.