This bill amends the Code of Iowa to establish new reporting requirements for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding shelter care, qualified residential treatment providers, and medical assistance provider reimbursement rates. It mandates that HHS conduct a biennial review of costs associated with shelter care and qualified residential treatment providers once a uniform cost report is implemented. The department is required to submit a report detailing the review results and recommendations for rate adjustments to the governor and the general assembly by October 1 of the year following the review.

Additionally, the bill requires HHS to perform an annual review of provider reimbursement rates for all medical and health services under the medical assistance program, comparing these rates to those in contiguous states, states with similar populations, and the federal Medicare program. Furthermore, starting July 1, 2026, HHS must conduct a biennial review of provider reimbursement rates for services under home and community-based service waivers, considering factors such as state reimbursement costs, service utilization, and provider capacity. HHS is tasked with developing proposed rate models based on these reviews and must report the findings, fiscal impacts, and policy changes to the general assembly by December 31 of the year the review is completed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 235.2, 249A.4