DES MOINES – Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds have reached agreement with United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) officials for approval of the bi-partisan Iowa Health and Wellness Plan.
The HHS December 10th approval establishes the terms and conditions allowing Iowa to move forward, with the addition, by agreement, of premium contributions promoting healthy behaviors, without loss of coverage, for certain Iowa Health and Wellness Plan members in accordance with Iowa law.
Branstad was enthusiastic, saying, “This is an Iowa plan that fits the health needs of our state. The Iowa Health and Wellness Plan will improve health outcomes for Iowans. I am pleased we reached agreement with the Federal Government on our unique alternative approach and we are ready to move forward to serve Iowans.”
Eventually, more than 150,000 Iowans will be served by this innovative plan that includes incentives for members who complete Healthy Behaviors, such as a physical or health risk assessment. The Iowa Health and Wellness Plan will focus on quality in health care with health care professionals receiving incentive payments for addressing the quality of outcomes and overall health of the plan population. With the inclusion of premium assistance for members above the Federal Poverty Level, more Iowans will receive private insurance as an option.
Reynolds touted Iowa’s readiness, “More than 55,000 Iowans have already signed up for the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan. This waiver agreement allows Iowa to move forward in improving the health and wellness of our state while respecting the law that passed with bi-partisan support.”
The specific final terms of the agreement are being worked out between the state and HHS.
@watchdog-the numbers I saw were 2 1/2 times the poverty level. That means around 30K p/year and I think you have to have a family of four to qualify. It doesn’t matter as if people get sick under this plan and go to the hospital under this plan they can not afford to pay the deductibles or co-pay not to mention the 30% they pay when going to the hospital. It would add up to more than they make in a year. People are just now starting to see this and are starting to raise hell. Young people are not going to waste their money if they have to pay all that on top of a premium.
With the inclusion of premium assistance for members above the Federal Poverty Level.
Can someone explain why you need “premium assistance” if you are not in Poverty and don’t need assistance?
The comment I just made was in reference to Obamacare. The Iowa Plan is a little bit different. If they do certain things to get healthy such as stopping smoking and no drug use they get discounts.
This is a good thing. There was a lot of people who didn’t know if they would have insurance or not and this gives them piece of mind. The Federal Government should look at doing what Iowa has done.