Relating to reporting requirements for the department of health and human services for shelter care, qualified residential treatment providers, and medical assistance provider reimbursement rates

This bill relates to reporting requirements for the department of health and human services (HHS) for shelter care, qualified residential treatment providers, and medical assistance provider reimbursement rates. The bill requires that upon implementation of a uniform cost report for shelter care and qualified residential treatment providers, HHS shall biennially conduct a rate review. On or before October of the calendar year following completion of the review, HHS shall report the results of the review and provide recommendations for rate adjustments to the governor and the general assembly. _____ The bill requires HHS to conduct an annual review of rates for all medical and health services provided under the medical assistance program. HHS shall compare each rate to the rates for Medicaid programs in states contiguous to Iowa, in states with populations comparable to Iowa, and to the federal Medicare program, if applicable. The bill requires HHS to submit an annual report to the general assembly that summarizes the review. The bill requires HHS, with input from the public, providers, and other stakeholders, to conduct a review at least biennially beginning on July 1, 2026, of rates for services rendered under home and community-based services waivers (waivers) during the period of review specified by HHS; the review shall include the aggregate cost to the state and consumer utilization of waivers, along with the demonstrated capacity of providers to meet consumer demand for services with available resources and indicators of need for more resources. The bill requires HHS to use the findings of the review to develop proposed rate models and related changes to HHS policies and procedures. The bill defines “consumer”, “provider”, and “waiver”. The bill requires HHS to submit to the general assembly, on or before December of the year that the review is completed, a report detailing the proposed rate models, the fiscal impact of implementing such rates with documents supporting the actuarial soundness of the models, and the proposed changes to HHS policies and procedures.