Iowa: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 10 topic we track for Iowa on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Iowa compares.

Compare Iowa with another state →

Malpractice rules · Small claims limits · Small estate limits · Debt time limits · Shared fault rules · Medicaid expansion · ACA marketplace · Claim deadlines · Estate and inheritance tax

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Medical malpractice	2 years (6-year repose)
Wrongful death	2 years

Malpractice rules Single detailed source

Damage cap	$1 million noneconomic ($2 million against hospitals); exceptions for some severe injuries
Expert affidavit or certificate	Certificate of merit within 60 days of the defendant's answer
Before you sue	None required

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$6,500
Filing fee	$115
Lawyers	Allowed

Small estate limits Single detailed source

Small estate limit	$50,000 personal property
Wait after death	40 days
Real estate	No

Debt time limits

Credit cards / open accounts	5 or 10 (courts have not settled it)
Written contracts	10 years
Promissory notes	10 years

Shared fault rules

Rule	Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)
When you are barred	Barred if you are 51% or more at fault

Medicaid expansion Single detailed source

Expanded?	Yes
Since	Jan. 1, 2014

ACA marketplace

Marketplace type	Federal marketplace
Where to enroll	HealthCare.gov

Claim deadlines

Acknowledge	15 days
Accept or deny	30 days after proof of loss
Pay	30 days after the claim is accepted

Estate and inheritance tax

Estate tax	No state estate tax
Inheritance tax	No inheritance tax