Medicaid entitlement for 18 - FY 2026 - T19

The Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services awarded the Iowa Department of Human Services $758,903,851 on October 1, 2025, under the Grants to States for Medicaid program (CFDA 93.778), a Block Grant providing financial assistance for medical assistance payments to cash assistance recipients, children, pregnant women, aged individuals meeting income and resource requirements, and categorically-eligible groups, including medically-needy persons in states electing such coverage, and assistance for qualified Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare premiums, copayments, and deductibles.

The award funds comprehensive healthcare coverage for low-income populations across Iowa through October 1, 2026. Iowa DHS operates as the designated state administering agency for Medicaid entitlements and administers the award exclusively as a prime grant recipient, holding no federal contracts and making no task orders against government-wide vehicles. The agency delivers services statewide through a portfolio of federal formula grants and block grants, frequently sub-awarding portions to county governments, local nonprofit organizations, community action agencies, and other state agencies to serve vulnerable populations. States must maintain HHS-approved Medicaid State Plans and comply with all federal regulations governing aid and medical assistance; they receive quarterly award funding based on estimates of needed resources submitted by specified deadlines.