Recovery scope
Iowa recovers all medical assistance paid for a member age 55 or older and for a qualifying permanently institutionalized member. The estate includes real and personal property, jointly held interests, retained life estates, trusts, and other legal interests held at death.
Controlling authority
Iowa Code § 249A.53 and Iowa Administrative Code rule 441—75.28 govern the state's recovery claim.
Exemptions and deferrals
Collection is waived to the extent it would reduce an estate amount received by a surviving spouse or by a surviving child who is under 21, blind, or permanently and totally disabled.
Hardship-waiver path
Undue hardship requires household income below 200% of the federal poverty level, household resources no greater than $10,000, and recovery that would endanger life or health by depriving the applicant of food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. A written request with verification is due within 30 days after notice.
Sources
Methodology & sources
Checked at least annually and whenever recovery statutes, waivers, liens, or agency practices change.
General information, not legal advice.