What You Need To Know
Hawk-I, also known as Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa is the state-specific name of a federally funded program. It is commonly known as the Children’s Health Insurance Program or CHIP. The program is aimed to provide people with health coverage and other related benefits. It has been specifically set up for people who are stuck between Medicaid and private coverage. They have high incomes that make them ineligible for Medicaid. On the other hand, their earnings are not high enough to allow them with private coverage. This is where Hawk-I comes in.
CHIP benefits are available in almost all states. However, it does not cater to the same benefits. Through the help of each state Medical program, CHIP has been set up. In certain states, it tends to offer health coverage to parents and pregnant women. This cannot be said for every state. In terms of Iowa, the CHIP program includes the following benefits:
- Emergency services
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Dental and vision care
- Doctor visits
- Immunizations
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
- Routine check-ups
- Prescriptions
Eighty million children and families have been provided with health coverage through CHIP benefits. The health insurance is provided through a Managed Care Organization (MCO). In Iowa, there are two MCOs you can choose between, including:
- Amerigroup Iowa, Inc.
- Iowa Total Care – health coverage by this MCO has recently begun on July 1, 2019
- Delta Dental of Iowa – For dental benefits provided by Hawk-i
Hawk-I has recently introduced an Open Choice Period. This means that the members can change their MCOs from July 1, 2019, to September 30, 2019, for any reason. In instances where they wish to change their MCO after this date, they must have reasons of “Good Cause”.
Both the MCOs provide the benefits stated above. However, there are certain terms and conditions attached to some benefits:
- Amerigroup and Iowa Total Care both provide Emergency Rooms but in cases of non-emergent conditions, there is an exception. It will be provided with a copay of $25 in cases of families that pay a premium for the program.
- Similarly, routine eye exams will be carried out but a limit has been imposed on eyeglasses of $100.
Are You Eligible?
Hawk-I is aimed at providing health coverage to children below 19. These uninsured children must belong to families that have incomes which makes them unable to qualify for Medicaid.
To avail Hawk-I, it is vital for the child to be:
- S. National
- Citizen
- Legal alien
- Permanent resident
- Resident of Iowa
- Have low income
| People Present In A Household | Maximum Earnings Per Year ($) |
| 1 | 37,720 |
| 2 | 51,069 |
| 3 | 64,417 |
| 4 | 77,765 |
| 5 | 91,114 |
| 6 | 104,462 |
| 7 | 117,811 |
| 8 | 131,159 |
In cases where the people living in a household are greater than eight, an additional $13348 is considered. It is essential to make sure that you are aware of the up-to-date guidelines. To ensure this, you can consider checking in with managing agencies present in your areas.
How to Apply
The application process for hawk-I is carried out online. This makes it easier to access. You can simply visit the Iowa Department of Human Services website. Here you’ll find a tab “Apply for benefits” which will allow you to partake in the process without any issues.
In case of queries or any confusion, you can also access the additional application information. This is available on the hawk-I ‘How to apply’ page. This site will also allow you to access and download the appropriate application forms.
For Further Information
The Hawk-I page will prove to be helpful in case additional information is required. It will also allow you to go through other resources that increase your understanding of the program. Such information will help you to determine your eligibility as well as provide you with guidance concerning the application process.
Some resources that you will be able to find on their website include:
- Hawk-I income guideline
- MCO Enrollment Form
- Delta Dental Benefits Summary Sheet
- Hawk-I MCO Health Plan Comparison
You will also be able to find the appropriate Hawk-I e-News through the portal along with other resources.
Hawk-I also offers Member services five days a week. They are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This means that you can easily approach them if any issue arises. Along with an online portal, hawk-I also have a toll free contact number as well as an email address:
1-800-257-8563
Hawk-i services are mindful of their members with disabilities. To effectively cater to their needs, Hawk-I instructs them to call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942.