The 2026 Iowa legislative session began Monday, Jan. 12, and IHCA is excited to be back at the Capitol advocating for the issues that matter most to long-term care providers across the state. As always, our priority is ensuring Iowa’s long-term care communities have the support, resources and flexibility needed to continue providing high-quality care to residents, clients and families.
As the session gets underway, IHCA will be focused on advancing key priorities outlined in the IHCA Legislative and Policy Agenda. This agenda reflects member-driven policy goals and provides a roadmap for the year ahead.
Key IHCA legislative issues
Workforce solutions for CNAs and CMAs
Workforce challenges remain one of the biggest operational pressures facing long-term care providers. This session, IHCA will advocate for meaningful solutions that strengthen, create alignment and expand the CNA and CMA workforce pipeline, so providers can continue meeting resident needs without compromising quality or sustainability.
Improving access to care through the Elderly Waiver
IHCA will also work on ways to make delivering services through the Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Elderly Waiver more accessible and sustainable. A key priority will be ensuring providers can deliver waiver services without experiencing days of uncompensated care, reducing unnecessary barriers and helping members serve individuals more efficiently in community-based settings.
Appropriations requests supporting long-term care services
To help support critical services across Iowa, IHCA will be advocating for the following funding requests:
- $5 million appropriation for HCBS Elderly Waiver
- $3 million appropriation for Home Health LUPA rates
These investments are essential to improving access, stabilizing services and supporting provider capacity across the state.
Save the date: IHCA’s Day on the Hill — March 4, 2026
Mark your calendar now for IHCA’s Day on the Hill, scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, 2026. This is one of IHCA’s staple grassroots events and a key opportunity for members to connect directly with legislators and share real-world perspectives from the front lines of care.
This year’s Day on the Hill will focus heavily on the workforce and HCBS policy changes outlined in the IHCA Legislative and Policy Agenda. We hope you are able to join us!
For questions, please contact Brandon Hagen at 515-978-2204.