United Group Insurance

Insurance to change for some low-income Iowans

News

October 17th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — One of two health insurers providing coverage to low-income Iowa residents through a state program is withdrawing its services. The Iowa Department of Human Services announced Friday that CoOportunity Health will soon no longer be an insurance option for those enrolled the Iowa Health and Wellness Program, the modified Medicaid expansion offered in the state as part of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul.

Under the federally funded program, some people are enrolled in a state-run health plan and others get premiums covered for private insurance. About 112,000 people are in the program, with roughly 26,000 on private insurance. CoOpportunity covered 9,700 people. State officials say they will get similar benefits from a different carrier. CoOpportunity spokeswoman Leigh McGivern says it was too costly for the insurer to continue coverage.