Medicaid bill would help seniors, disabled stay at home longer

DES MOINES, Iowa Medicaid legislation that health officials say would serve as a national model for helping seniors and the disabled remain in their homes is making its way through the Iowa Legislature.

D-H-S Director Kevin Concannon says the measure provides for more stringent criteria for admitting Medicaid patients into nursing homes, but eases standards for providing in-home care to elderly and the disabled.

To be admitted to a nursing home, elders currently must require help with at least two "daily living" tasks, such as bathing, dressing or eating. The legislation would bump that up to three, but it would provide in-home care to anyone needing help with two tasks.

Concannon says that can help slow the rate of growth in one of the heaviest cost areas, which includes nursing home care.

Joel Olah, with the Aging Resources of Central Iowa, worries that there aren't enough in-home caregivers to provide the services touted in the legislation.

He says better pay for providers, sufficient oversight and funding all are critical to making the new legislation work.

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