The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), pursuant to the requirements outlined in 42 C.F.R. §447.205, hereby gives notice of the following proposed action regarding its methods and standards for reimbursing special population nursing facilities (NF) under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Summary of Submission:
Beginning with dates of service on or after July 1, 2026, special population NFs will not be subject to a limit while calculating a cost report-based rate.
Fiscal Impact:
The estimated increase in Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) expenditures for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027 related to the removal of the special population nursing facility rate limit is:
Total Dollars: $21,515
Federal Dollars: $13,591
State Dollars: $7,924
Public Review and Comments
A copy of the Medicaid State Plan Amendment and this public notice are posted on the HHS website at the following link: https://hhs.iowa.gov/public-notice/2026-06-30/spa-ia-26-0008
To reach all stakeholders, non-electronic copies will be made available for review at each local HHS office.
Submission of Comments
Written comments concerning this notice may be addressed to the Long Term-Care Support Services Team, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medicaid, 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319 or may be emailed to [email protected]. Please indicate SPA IA 26-0008, or the subject line of the email.
All written and emailed comments must be received within 30 days from the issuance of this notice and no later than July 30, 2026, by 4:30 p.m.
Submitted by:
Lee Grossman, Medicaid Director
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services