Obtaining Iowa Medicaid for seniors can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. There are innumerable guidelines to follow, countless documents to obtain, and multiple offices to visit. Plodding through the Iowa Medicaid application is enough to make you throw up your hands in defeat.

It doesn't have to be this way!

At Senior Planning Services, we are experienced with the Iowa Medicaid eligibility standards. We take care of the application and approval process to alleviate much of your stress and anxiety. We offer more than just sound advice, we implement it.

Our comprehensive services are focused on helping families receive Medicaid long-term care benefits in Iowa. We streamline the entire process, starting with an initial consultation and assessment. Then, we assist with obtaining financial statements, Medicaid-required documents, and other relevant paperwork. We fill out applications on your behalf and act as a liaison with the State of Iowa's Medicaid eligibility department. We'll be right by your side until you receive your official approval.

Are you applying for Medicaid in Iowa? We can help!

Contact Senior Planning Services today to learn more about our personalized Medicaid services

Asset allowances document checklist

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a safety net. One of its primary purposes is to fund the costs of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The average cost of assisted living in Iowa is $7,000 per month, or $84,000 per year. If you qualify, Iowa Medicaid for the elderly can help offset these costs, ensuring you receive a high level of care even if your savings can't pay for it all.

Who Is Eligible for Medicaid?

Long-term care eligibility for Iowa Medicaid depends on several factors. The Medicaid program is designed to help people pay for the often staggering costs of nursing homes and other long-term care options, but you must adhere to numerous rules and regulations to receive the benefits.

To meet the eligibility standards for Medicaid nursing homes in Iowa, you must:

Be a legal U.S. citizen or qualified alien
Be a resident of Iowa
Meet income and asset requirements
Be 65 years of age, blind, or permanently disabled

Financial Requirements

income

Before filling out a Medicaid application for nursing homes in Iowa, applicants must assess their financial situation. A long-term care applicant's income may not exceed certain limits. As of 2025, the limits in Iowa are $2,901 per month. If your income is higher than this, Senior Planning Services can help you set up a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust) so you can still qualify.

assets

A long-term care applicant's assets must fall below specific thresholds to qualify for Medicaid. As of 2025, the asset limits in Iowa are $2,000 for single applicants, $3,000 for couples applying together, and up to $157,920 for the non-applicant spouse in cases where only one spouse is applying.

It's important to note that Medicaid enforces a five-year look-back period for financial transactions. During this time, any gifts or asset transfers may result in a penalty period of ineligibility for Medicaid coverage. This penalty corresponds to the total value of assets gifted or transferred during the look-back period. (There are some exceptions to the transfer rules that Medicaid may allow.)

Medical Eligibility

A pre-admission screening (PAS) is required to determine the applicant's medical eligibility. A physical evaluation from a Medicaid nurse will ascertain whether you need assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), such as showering, dressing, eating, and toileting.

Why Our Iowa Medicaid Specialists Are Different

In a word: expertise.
At Senior Planning Services, this is what we do all day, every day. Our Medicaid specialists have the experience and resources to help with Iowa Medicaid enrollment. We have the relationships and know-how to help our clients maximize their benefits. We don't just guide individuals, couples, and families through the Medicaid process, we shoulder the burden to provide all the answers and alleviate all concerns during this overwhelming junction of life. Whether you need full support as a first-time applicant for Medicaid in Iowa, help filling out your Medicaid paperwork, or assistance with Iowa Medicaid renewals, we are here for you.

Iowa Medicaid for Seniors - Personalized Medicaid Services

Offer a free Medicaid Consultation
Assist in obtaining 60 months of bank and financial statements from financial institutions' back offices.
Assist in obtaining verifications from banks regarding checks, deposits, and cash withdrawals
Shoulder burden to provide all verification to satisfy all Medicaid's requests.
Assist families in utilizing excludable resources

Assist clients in the process of liquidating life insurance policies, annuities, and stocks, etc.
Obtain missing documentation from the Vital Statistics office, if necessary
Update the client on the application status consistently
Submit the application to the county Board of Social Services
Interact with the Board of Social Services caseworker regularly

The experts at Senior Planning Services are just a phone consultation away.
Let us replace your stress and anxiety with direction and clarity. Apply for Iowa Medicaid for seniors today.

Give us a call at 855.775.2664 or