Summary:
Current Status of Medicaid Expansion in State:
State is expanding Medicaid.
Decision Process:
Regular legislative process
Background:
· Currently:
17% of all Iowa residents are enrolled in Medicaid, 90% of whom have managed care. The state's Medicaid program covers up to 300% of FPL depending on the specific program. The Iowa Medicaid Enterprise is run by the Iowa Department of Human Services.
· Expansion:
An expansion of Iowa's Medicaid to 133% of FPL would be a 25% increase over current enrollment.
· Process:
No final decision has been reached yet, but the state is strongly leaning toward not participating in the expansion. The governor's office has stated that Iowa is opposed to the expansion and may opt for a state-based solution.
State Activity:
· Iowa is one of the states that sued for the repeal of the ACA. It has opted not to participate in the state-based exchange.
- The Governor said he wished to pursue state-based strategies for affordable healthcare instead of taking up the expansion and has provided an outline for alternative options, including a prevention-oriented approach called the Healthy Iowa Plan. However, with support from the Democratic state legislature, the Medicaid expansion was approved at the end of March, 2013 as a way to reach low-income Iowans at little cost to the state.
· Iowa has received an 1115 Waiver to expand coverage for adults up to 200% FPL who are not currently eligible.
· The Iowa Hospital Association unanimously voted in support of expanding Medicaid and has urged the state government to implement the expansion.
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