Steckman: Helping Seniors, Vulnerable Iowans Stay in Their Homes

From Rep. Sharon Steckman –

The Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME) was awarded a federal grant to help Iowans who are disabled or elderly stay in their homes longer. This is a major wish and preference for those who are faced with the decision of placement in a nursing home. In addition, a person staying in their home longer saves Iowa and the federal government money.

Iowa is one of six states to receive funding through a federal provision called “balancing incentive payments,” with the idea being to balance Medicaid long-term care programs between facility care and in-home supports. The grant is available to states in which more than half of Medicaid long-term care spending is for nursing homes and other facilities. Iowa’s award is $61.8 million through 2015.

IME will establish three main strategies to expand in-home support:

– A “no wrong door” and a single point of entry system for seniors who need care.
– A standardized assessment tool to help determine eligibility for non-institutional services.
– An efficient case management system in which experts help individuals and families to develop and arrange for a long-term service plan.

The new service is projected to save $7 million to $15 million in state dollars over a three year period due to reduced emergency room visits and increased avoidance of hospital admissions. About 5,000 Medicaid members may be offered health home services over the coming months.