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IA SF534
A bill for an act relating to options for long-term care, and making appropriations.
summary
Introduced
03/05/2025
03/05/2025
In Committee
03/05/2025
03/05/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to options for long-term living and funding of long-term care services. The bill requires the department of health and human services (HHS) to establish a rate structure for reimbursement of the transportation costs of home health care providers by incorporating an increased reimbursement amount for travel time into the per visit reimbursement. The department shall submit a report of the rate structure and the projected cost of application of the reimbursement rate structure to the governor and the general assembly by December 1, 2025. The bill requires that pursuant to Code section 231.58 (long-term living coordination) and considering the intent of the general assembly for the long-term living system in Iowa pursuant to Code section 231F.1 (intent for Iowa’s long-term living system), including maximizing independence, choice, and dignity for consumers, the director of HHS shall convene a study group that includes members specified in the bill to perform a focused review of the alternatives for long-term living options in the state. The review shall include a survey of existing approaches utilized in other states and innovative approaches to provide Iowans with access to an extensive range of high-quality, affordable, and cost-effective long-term living options. The review shall also consider how the state may assist nursing facilities not at full occupancy by incorporating other sectors. The study group shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the governor and the general assembly by December 15, 2025. The bill provides that for FY 2025-2026, Medicaid reimbursement rates for adult day care providers who provide services to Medicaid home and community-based services waiver recipients shall be increased by 5 percent over the rates in effect on June 30, 2025. The bill makes an appropriation to HHS for FY 2025-2026 from the general fund of the state to be used in collaboration with affected stakeholders to continue to expand the Iowa return to community program. The bill requires HHS to submit to the governor and the general assembly by December 15, 2025, an estimate of the cost to fund an expansion of the Iowa return to community program to provide access to all interested consumers. The bill makes an appropriation to HHS for FY 2025-2026 from the general fund of the state to be used by HHS to employ a statewide dementia care coordinator within HHS to provide coordination services related to statewide dementia care as described in the bill.
AI Summary
This bill addresses several aspects of long-term care services in Iowa. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a new reimbursement rate structure for home health care providers that includes compensation for travel time, with a report on this structure due by December 1, 2025. The bill also mandates the creation of a comprehensive study group composed of various stakeholders to review long-term living options in the state, including examining approaches from other states and innovative care models like greenhouse systems and adult family homes. Additionally, the bill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for adult day care providers by 5% for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It appropriates $2 million to expand the Iowa Return to Community program, which helps non-Medicaid-eligible individuals return to their communities after hospital or nursing facility stays, and requires HHS to estimate the cost of fully expanding this program. Furthermore, the bill allocates $750,000 to employ a statewide dementia care coordinator who will coordinate dementia-friendly initiatives, support dementia service specialists in area agencies on aging, provide grants, evaluate respite care availability, and increase awareness about dementia across various community settings. The overall goal is to improve long-term care options, support caregivers, and enhance independence and dignity for Iowa's residents.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Subcommittee: Klimesh, Celsi, and Costello. S.J. 466. (on 03/10/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
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State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF534 |
BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF534.html |
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