The Iowa legislative session closed on May 15. Unfortunately, the budget did not include an increase to HCBS providers, such as Systems. The Managed Care Organizations (for profit companies that manage Medicaid) received a 2% increase to their budgets and nursing homes received a $20 million increase. For context, HCBS providers were asking for an $8.5 million increase in order to maintain current services. “Intermittent Services” did receive an increase of $3 million. As of yet, we are not for sure what that exactly means and if it will affect our hourly program.
While this was very disappointing news, Systems priority will always be to provide quality care for the people we serve. This does not affect the people we currently serve but will make it even more important that we look to a growth strategy that continues to maximize our profits.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is still under attack. The state of Iowa with sixteen other states have signed on to the lawsuit stating that Section 504 is unconstitutional. This law states that schools, health care, housing, and transportation that receive federal funds cannot discriminate against people with disabilities. Due to the outpouring of support of the Act, including over three hundred emails sent by Iowans, the states backed off the push to declare Section 504 unconstitutional. They are focusing on updated rules during the Biden Administration that were developed with input from the disability community.
The Disability Rights and Education Defense Fund continues to monitor this court case. If interested in helping, email Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird to drop the lawsuit.
Medicaid funding from the federal level is still being decided. The House has sent the Senate a budget which includes severe cuts to Medicaid. If the budget were to go through as is, it would mean that Iowa would lose $713 million over the next ten years. This could mean that the state would not be able to increase services, longer waiting lists and more people being institutionalized due to other services not being covered. There is still time to contact Senator Grassley and Senator Ernst to share your personal Medicaid story and ask they do not cut Medicaid.
Here is the list of the Iowa Senators and contact information:
Senator Joni Ernst
- 260 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510
- (202) 224-3254
- Contact
Senator Chuck Grassley
- 135 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510
- (202) 224-3744
- Contact
To learn more, read the latest Iowa DD Council newsletter here: https://www.iowaddcouncil.org/newsletter
