 Dear Friends and Partners,
We are excited to share some of the impactful work underway at Medicaid as we continue our commitment to providing quality healthcare for all eligible Iowans. Our progress is a testament to the dedication of our team and, crucially, the strong partnerships we've built across the state.
One of our key initiatives this year has been building strong connections and partnerships within the aligned Iowa HHS agency. This includes collaboration with the divisions of Public Health, Behavioral Health, Aging and Disability Services, and Community Access and Eligibility to enhance coordination and access to programs and services.
In the next year, Medicaid will continue the planning and implementation of the HOME Waiver redesign and the Iowa REACH initiatives. Both bodies of work focus on building a robust service array to ensure Iowans with disabilities and behavioral health needs receive timely and comprehensive needs assessments, mental health and substance use disorder care, and home- and community-based services based on individual need. We are actively working on expanding our network of providers and streamlining access to these vital services. We're also deeply focused on improving maternal and child health outcomes, implementing new programs, and collaborating with healthcare providers to support healthy beginnings for families.
As we work to provide updates to our programs and services, we are also evaluating how we communicate changes in policies to our providers. With a commitment to ensuring we provide accurate, transparent, and timely communication, we are undergoing a comprehensive review of the Informational Letter and Provider Manual processes. We are looking forward to some significant improvements over the next few months.
None of this would be possible without the incredible collaboration we share with our healthcare providers, community organizations, advocacy groups, and members. Your insights and partnership are invaluable as we strive to innovate and ensure our programs effectively meet the evolving needs of our members.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the health and well-being of Iowans. We look forward to building on these successes together.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Curtiss & Kera Oestreich
HOME Project Updates
HHS is committed to clear and timely communication so that Iowans know what’s happening with the HOME project. We want to make sure everyone understands when we make changes, what those changes mean, and—just as importantly—what is staying the same.
Because HOME includes many parts, we’ve taken steps to help people stay informed:
-
Streamlined the HOME website to make it easier to find information and updates.
-
Made new pages to explain recent changes to assessments and case management ratios and training.
-
Refreshed the HOME FAQ to answer common questions with the most up-to-date information.
We’re here to make sure this information is easy to find and easy to understand, so that everyone feels confident and informed as we move forward together. You can also stay tuned to this newsletter and Medicaid Townhalls to learn more. We invite you to share your comments, including requests for additional content you’d like to see, in a Feedback page about the Iowa HHS website.
Pharmacy Updates
Point-of-Care Testing Coverage Expansion:
On June 1, 2025, Iowa Medicaid expanded reimbursement for pharmacy point-of-care testing of Influenza and Streptococcus A to include Fee-for-Service (FFS) members. All provider requirements outlined in Informational Letter 2510 now apply to both Managed Care (MC) and FFS claims.
Pharmacy providers can view the current list of covered CPT codes on the ‘Pharmacist - Provider Type 82’ fee schedule available on the Iowa Medicaid Fee Schedules webpage. A new Point-of-Care Testing Provider Manual will be available soon and published on the Iowa Medicaid Provider Manuals webpage.
Please Note: Members should contact their pharmacy in advance to confirm whether testing services are available.
 90-day Supply Option for Select Generic Medications:
Effective October 1, 2024, Iowa Medicaid began covering a select list of generic, maintenance medications at a 90-day supply quantity. This benefit is optional and should be requested by the member. For a list of medications that can be filled for a 90-day quantity, please visit www.iowamedicaidpdl.com.
Pharmacy Resources:
- For access to pharmacy resources for Iowa Medicaid Providers, visit the Iowa Medicaid Pharmacy webpage: Medicaid Pharmacy | Health & Human Services.
- For access to the Iowa Medicaid Preferred Drug List, visit the PDL website: iowamedicaidpdl.com.
Individual Consumer Directed Attendant Care (ICDAC) Transition
Effective July 1, 2025, Iowa Medicaid will no longer accept applications for enrollment
from individuals wishing to deliver ICDAC services (applications that are pending will be
completed but must transition with current providers). HCBS members must select
either consumer attendant directed care services through a provider agency or the CCO
program by November 30, 2025.
For more information, please visit our ICDAC transition webpage at: https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/welcome-iowa-medicaid/iowa-medicaid-programs/individual-consumer-directed-attendant-care-icdac-transition
|
