Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF538

Introduced
3/5/25  

Caption

A bill for an act establishing a working group on nursing home Medicaid payment recovery following the closure or sale of a nursing home.

Impact

The work of the proposed group is set to culminate in a report due by February 28, 2026, which will outline recommendations targeting the potential issues around recovering Medicaid payments post-closure or sale of nursing facilities. The composition of the working group indicates a collaborative approach that includes legislative representation, professionals with experience in Medicaid processes, and important administrative oversight provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, highlighting the bill's commitment to thorough and diverse input on this critical issue.

Summary

Senate File 538 is legislation aimed at addressing concerns related to Medicaid payment recovery from nursing homes following their closure or sale. The bill establishes a working group under the Department of Health and Human Services tasked with scrutinizing the disparity in how nursing home residents are affected by Medicaid estate recovery compared to nursing homes themselves that are exempt from such recovery during closure or sale. This legislation reflects an ongoing attempt to ensure fair treatment for individuals who rely on Medicaid support for nursing home care.

Contention

Notably, the bill addresses a potential gap in legislation regarding Medicaid’s estate recovery processes, which can significantly impact both nursing home residents and the institutions themselves. While the intent is to bring transparency and accountability in the estate recovery process, it may also trigger discussions around the adequacy of existing protections for vulnerable populations in nursing homes. As the working group conducts its review, various stakeholders may express differing opinions on how best to balance the needs of residents with the operational realities faced by nursing homes in Iowa.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF2063

A bill for an act establishing a nursing home administrator training pilot program.

IA HF685

A bill for an act relating to health care services and financing, including nursing facility licensing and financing and the Medicaid program including third-party recovery and taxation of Medicaid managed care organization premiums. (Formerly HF 525, HSB 177.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SF567

A bill for an act relating to health care services and financing including nursing facility licensing and financing and the Medicaid program including third-party recovery and taxation of Medicaid managed care organization premiums, and providing for licensee discipline.(Formerly SF 462, SSB 1167.)

IA HF2698

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for veterans and health and human services, including other related provisions and appropriations including but not limited to the personal needs allowance for certain persons under Medicaid and the state supplementary assistance programs, replacement generation tax revenues, the Medicaid fraud and health care trust funds, the retention of certain revenues by the mental health institutes, the retention of Medicaid eligibility by residents of mental health institutes, the scope of services of the state resource centers, the appropriation of moneys in the juvenile detention home fund, the family investment program account and diversion program, the child support collection services center refund account, the quality assurance assessment payment period, the centers of excellence grant program, an assisted living program revised payment model study, funding for county commissions of veteran affairs, foster care provisions including those relating to a relative or fictive kin, health care employment agencies and health care technology platforms, medical cannabidiol practitioner requirements, nursing facility oversight, and state-funded psychiatry residency and fellowship positions, providing penalties, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. Effective date: 05/09/2024, 07/01/2024. Applicability date: 07/01/2022, 07/01/2023.

IA HF2585

A bill for an act relating to health care facilities, including joint training sessions and review of certain citations for nursing facilities, and exceptions to on-site inspections of health care facilities following complaints. (Formerly HSB 691.)

IA HSB691

A bill for an act relating to health care facilities, including joint training sessions and review of certain citations for nursing facilities, and exceptions to on-site inspections of health care facilities following complaints.(See HF 2585.)

IA SF462

A bill for an act relating to the Medicaid program including third-party recovery and taxation of Medicaid managed care organization premiums.(Formerly SSB 1167; See SF 567.)

IA SSB1167

A bill for an act relating to the Medicaid program including third-party recovery and taxation of Medicaid managed care organization premiums.(See SF 462, SF 567.)

IA HSB177

A bill for an act relating to the Medicaid program including third-party recovery and taxation of Medicaid managed care organization premiums.(See HF 525, HF 685.)

IA HF525

A bill for an act relating to the Medicaid program including third-party recovery and taxation of Medicaid managed care organization premiums.(Formerly HSB 177; See HF 685.)

Similar Bills

UT HB0503

Nursing Care Facility Amendments

VA SB1164

Medicaid Financial Oversight, Office of; established.

LA HB485

Establishes the Medicaid Managed Care Authority as a policymaking and oversight body for the Medicaid managed care program (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HCR137

Requests that the Department of Health and Hospitals continue its reliance on the Medicaid Purchase Plan Advisory Council for program outreach, education, review, and guidance

LA SCR41

Requests that the Department of Health and Hospitals continue its reliance on the Medicaid Purchase Plan Advisory Council for program outreach, education, review, and guidance.

NV AB556

Revises provisions relating to Medicaid. (BDR 38-1117)

MS SB2867

Medicaid; make various amendments to the provisions of the program.

IA HF387

A bill for an act creating the better caths for Iowa Act including a review of the use and reimbursement of certain catheters under the Medicaid program.