This information was collected through a combination of state surveys and NASHP staff research. It offers a snapshot of how the state is defining, training, certifying, and paying for the CHW workforce — as well as how the state is developing cross-agency and state-to-local strategies to improve community health in partnership with CHWs.
This is a dynamic policy space, and states are continuing to develop new approaches. We will continue to make periodic updates to this page. Learn more about state CHW policies across the U.S.
State CHW Definition
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) uses the American Public Health Association definition of CHWs.
State CHW Governance
Iowa does not have a dedicated state office of CHWs.
Certification and Training
Iowa does not have a state-specific CHW certification program. Using HRSA-22-124 funds, the Department of Public Health administers a variety of CHW training opportunities. CHW training opportunities include offerings through a collaboration with Iowa Health and Human Services, the nonprofit HealthTeamWorks, University of Iowa, and Des Moines Area Community College. This includes CHW professional skills training, CHW Registered Apprenticeship program, and public health training for CHWs.
Medicaid Reimbursement
Iowa does not reimburse for CHW services through its Medicaid program.
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms
In 2022, Iowa HHS received HRSA-22-124 funding to support CHW training programs, including placing CHWs into registered apprenticeships.
Key Partnerships
The Health Resources and Services Administration CHW Training Grant in Iowa is supported by a strong network of key partners, including Iowa HHS, HealthTeamWorks, Des Moines Area Community College, and University of Iowa. These organizations are working together to expand training opportunities and strengthen the CHW workforce across the state.
The Iowa CHW Alliance is a network of over 50 partner organizations committed to advancing the CHW workforce and advancing the role of CHWs in Iowa’s health care system.
State CHW Legislation
Information is unavailable.
State Resources
- Iowa Health and Human Services contracted with University of Iowa to complete an environmental scan for CHWsin Iowa, as well as a comprehensive analysis of CHW programs statewide.
- Iowa CHW Alliance
- CORE — Skill Development for CHWs
ACO – Accountable care organization
AHEC – Area Health Education Centers
APHA – American Public Health Association
APM – Alternative payment model
CBO – Community-based organization
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC CCR Funding – Community Health Workers for COVID Response and Resilient Communities Funding
CHR – Community health representative
CHW – Community health worker
CPT Codes – Current Procedural Terminology Codes
C3 Project – CHW Core Competency Project
FFS – Fee for services
HCSPCS Codes – Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Codes
HRSA – Health Resources & Services Administration
MCO – Managed care organization
NACHW – National Association of Community Health Workers
SDOH – Social determinants of health
VBP – Value-based payment
State CHW Definition: This category indicates where states have a formal definition of a CHW. In some cases, where there is not a definition in statute, this category may draw information from provider manuals and state websites or reports.
Certification and Training: This category includes information about how CHWs are trained in the state, which entities provide training, whether or not the state runs or recognizes a CHW certification program, and information about the entities that administer existing certification programs.
Medicaid Reimbursement: This category includes information about state Medicaid strategies that provide enrollees access to CHW services. Entries indicate whether state Medicaid programs currently reimburse for CHW services or incorporate CHWs into alternative payment models under the authority of a state plan amendment (SPA), or where states have earmarked funds to support CHW services under the authority of an 1115 demonstration waiver. It also indicates where CHW services might be supported through managed care approaches (e.g., where MCOs are paying for CHW services using administrative dollars or where states are using managed care contracts to incentivize or require MCOs to cover CHW services).
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms: This category includes information about other state funding or financing approaches that cover CHW services or CHW positions. It includes information about federal grant dollars for which the state is the grantee.
Key Partnerships: This category offers information about key partners outside state government, including state CHW associations and CHW training entities, and highlights formal cross-agency partnerships within the state that support alignment of funding and resources for the CHW workforce.
State CHW Legislation: This category highlights any state legislation relevant to the CHW workforce. This might include statutory language directing agencies to develop a Medicaid reimbursement approach, laws that established state CHW certification, or other relevant statutes.
State Resources: This category offers links to any key reports or resources that states elected to highlight as critical to CHW policy and partnership.
