Bill > SF538

This bill establishes a working group to investigate discrepancies in Medicaid payment recovery for nursing homes in Iowa. Specifically, the working group will examine the difference between how individual nursing home residents are subject to Medicaid estate recovery (the process of recouping Medicaid expenses from a person's estate after they die) and how nursing home facilities themselves are treated when they close or are sold. The group will consist of key members including the director of health and human services, the Medicaid fraud control unit director, three individuals with experience in the Medicaid estate recovery process, a co-owner of the Hale group, and four ex officio legislative members from both the House and Senate. The department of health and human services will provide administrative support, with its director serving as chairperson. The working group is tasked with submitting a report to the general assembly by February 28, 2026, that includes recommendations for addressing potential issues in recovering Medicaid payments and proposed legislation to enhance public accountability when nursing homes close or are sold. The working group will automatically dissolve after submitting its report, but no later than March 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF538