Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Iowa. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Iowa)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Iowa SHIIP)
Iowa's SHIP is called SHIIP, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, run by the Iowa Insurance Division. Counselors give free, objective, confidential one-on-one help with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans, and Medigap. SHIIP also pairs with the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) to help spot Medicare fraud. Call 1-800-351-4664 or visit shiip.iowa.gov to find a counselor in your county.
Medicaid in Iowa
Iowa's Medicaid program (delivered through IA Health Link managed care for most members) is administered by Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS). Call Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-338-8366 (515-256-4606 in the Des Moines area) or apply online at hhsservices.iowa.gov.
Prescription help
Iowa does not run a broad state pharmaceutical assistance program for seniors. Ask your SHIIP counselor (1-800-351-4664) to screen you for Medicare's Extra Help / Low-Income Subsidy, which lowers Part D costs, and check BenefitsCheckUp.org for manufacturer and patient-assistance programs.
Energy and utility help
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is administered by Iowa HHS and delivered through your local Community Action Agency, which makes a one-time payment toward winter heating costs. Households with a member age 60 or older, or disabled, can apply starting October 1; all other households apply starting November 1; the program runs through April 30. Find your local agency through hhs.iowa.gov, dial 211, or call the Community Action Agencies Unit at 515-776-8871. You can also reach NEAR at 1-866-674-6327.
Property tax relief (Iowa)
Iowa has two main senior programs:
- Homestead Tax Exemption for claimants 65 and older: if you are 65 or older on or before January 1 of the assessment year and own and occupy the home, you get an exemption of taxable value on top of the regular homestead credit. For assessment years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, this exemption is $6,500 of taxable value (the amount was phased in and increased recently, so confirm the current figure with the Iowa Department of Revenue or your county assessor).
- Senior and Disabled Property Tax Credit: property tax relief for homeowners who are 65 or older or totally disabled and meet income limits. For 2026, household income generally must be under $26,895 for those 65 to 69 (or 18-plus and totally disabled); for those 70 or older, the limit is based on 250 percent of the federal poverty level for your household size. File with your county treasurer on or before June 1, 2026 (the treasurer may extend the deadline to March 31, 2027). You can claim the exemption and the credit on the same form.
Confirm current amounts and income limits with the Iowa Department of Revenue or your county assessor.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Iowa's Area Agencies on Aging coordinate meals, in-home help, caregiver support, and transportation. Reach them through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or 211. To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a dependent adult, contact Iowa HHS Adult Protective Services (dial 211 or call 1-800-362-2178). For free legal help, 211 and lawhelp.org connect you with Iowa Legal Aid for seniors.
Frequently asked questions
What is Iowa's SHIP program? It is called SHIIP, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, run by the Iowa Insurance Division. Free Medicare counseling is at 1-800-351-4664.
Does Iowa offer senior property tax relief? Yes. Homeowners 65 and older get a Homestead Tax Exemption ($6,500 of taxable value for 2024 and later), and lower-income seniors and disabled homeowners can claim the Senior and Disabled Property Tax Credit. File with your county treasurer by June 1.
How do Iowa seniors get help with heating bills? Apply for LIHEAP through your local Community Action Agency. Seniors 60 and older can apply starting October 1; call 211 or 515-776-8871 to find your agency.
How do I apply for Iowa Medicaid? Call Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-338-8366 or apply online at hhsservices.iowa.gov.
Sources
- Iowa Department of Revenue, Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption: https://revenue.iowa.gov/taxes/tax-guidance/property-tax/homestead-tax-credit-and-exemption
- Iowa SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program): https://shiip.iowa.gov/senior-health-insurance-information-program-shiip
- Iowa HHS, Medicaid Member Services: https://hhs.iowa.gov/medicaid/member-services
- Iowa HHS, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP): https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs-and-services/liheap
- Iowa Legal Aid, Homestead Exemption for 65 and older: https://iowalegalaid.org/resource/homestead-exemption-for-65-and-older/
Verified June 9, 2026. Program limits and dates change; confirm with the official source before relying on a figure.