ARC 0620D

ARC 0620D

HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT[441]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to amount, duration and scope of medical and remedial services and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Department of Health and Human Services hereby proposes to amend Chapter 78, “Amount, Duration and Scope of Medical and Remedial Services,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code chapter 249A.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code chapter 249A.

Purpose and Summary

     This proposed rulemaking allows rural health clinics (RHCs) to receive Medicaid reimbursement for the provision of dental services. The services would be provided by local dentists who contract with the RHCs.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on August 19, 2026. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   September 8, 2026

Fiscal Impact

     Based upon a 2.94 percent RHC opt-in estimate, there would be a total cost increase of  $3,934,581.43, with $2,736,894.84 being federal and $1,197,686.59 being State.

Jobs Impact

    This proposed rulemaking may positively impact small dental providers by enabling them to receive reimbursement for services provided at RHCs.

Waivers

    Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Department for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 441—Chapter 2504.

Public Comment

     Any interested person may submit written or oral comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the Department no later than 4:30 p.m. on October 20, 2026. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

     A public hearing at which persons may present their views orally or in writing will be held as follows:

    Persons who wish to make oral comments at the public hearing may be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rulemaking.

     Any persons who intend to attend the public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Department and advise of specific needs.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

    The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

    The following rulemaking action is proposed:

    ITEM 1.  Adopt the following new subrule  78.21(4):

    78.21(4) Dental services. Payment will be made to rural health clinics for dental services payable under Iowa Medicaid’s dental wellness plan as described in 441—Chapter 73.