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Title 8: Medicaid Page 9 Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Employees’ Manual Chapter F: Coverage Groups Pregnant or Postpartum Women and... Revised October 10, 2025 Continuous Eligibility for Pregnant and… The postpartum period begins the month following the last day of pregnancy and continues through the last day of the month in which the 12-month period ends. An application is not required, unless the woman is a Medically Needy member and their spenddown has not been met. If a Medically Needy member’s certification period expires during the postpartum eligibility period and their spenddown has not been met, she must file an application. Continuously eligible MAGI pregnant/postpartum women retain their eligibility even if they move into a different household. When the pregnancy terminates (for any reason), the woman is still entitled to postpartum coverage. NOTE: While a postpartum woman remains continuously eligible during her postpartum period, with limited exceptions, it is possible for a postpartum woman to change coverage groups during her pregnancy and postpartum period unless she is eligible as a Hawki member or chose to remain on IHAWP during her pregnancy and postpartum period. At the end of the 12-month postpartum period, a review form will be sent and eligibility is redetermined. If there are other individuals in the home, the review will align with the other individuals.

1. The household consists of Mr. U, age 40, who works full time, and Mrs. U, age 32, who is pregnant. Mrs. U currently receives Medicaid under the MAC coverage group. On April 15, the baby is born. Mrs. U is eligible for postpartum coverage regardless of any changes that occur in her income. After the postpartum period ends, a redetermination of Mrs. U’s eligibility is completed. Countable income now exceeds the MAC income limits. Since there is no other coverage group under which Medicaid eligibility can be established other than Medically Needy with a spenddown, Medicaid eligibility for Mrs. U is timely canceled effective May 1. Medicaid eligibility for the baby as a deemed newborn will continue through the month of the first birthday.