Nussle: Federal Agency Supporting Medicaid Flexibility for Iowa

Nussle: Federal Agency Supporting Medicaid Flexibility for Iowa

Congressman Jim Nussle described a letter sent today by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt to Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack as a key step toward gaining more administrative flexibility for Medicaid in Iowa.

Nussle has been urging Leavitt to support Iowa's request for a Medicaid program waiver to deal with revenue issues associated with what are known as intergovernmental transfers.

"Because I recognize added federal flexibility would help Iowa meet some of its Medicaid challenges for delivering health care, I have made it crystal clear on more than one occasion to Secretary Leavitt that I support the state's waiver application," Nussle said.

Leavitt's letter to Vilsack indicates support for moving forward on the waiver process.

"...we are eager to partner with you in carrying out Iowa's program... I have directed CMS to work with you on the necessary terms and conditions of a waiver that will permit us to provide Iowa with the necessary flexibility to reform its Medicaid program," Leavitt writes. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) oversees Medicaid at the federal level.

"Because Secretary Leavitt's letter essentially clears the way for a formal application, it is a critical step ahead in the waiver process," Nussle said. The state's plan includes a number of proposals to improve health care coverage for Iowans while reforming its Medicaid financing.

"I will continue working with Secretary Leavitt and other administration officials to find flexible solutions that will support the Medicaid program for Iowans," Nussle said.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/ia01_nussle/pr050322med.html