Estate Recovery Program is a specialized legal service provider focused exclusively on administering Iowa’s mandatory Medicaid estate recovery process. Operating under a contractual arrangement with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, this program ensures compliance with federal and state laws requiring repayment of Title XIX medical assistance from the estates of deceased recipients. Their expertise lies in navigating the complex legal and administrative framework governing estate recovery, providing essential guidance to families, executors, and professionals involved in settling estates.
The program handles cases involving recipients aged 55 or older, or those under 55 residing in care facility with no reasonable expectation of returning home. It emphasizes clarity and procedural adherence, offering detailed claim information, hardship waiver assessments, and structured repayment processes. Their approach ensures that higher-priority expenses—such as funeral costs, medical bills, and legal fees—are prioritized before Medicaid repayment, in accordance with Iowa Code.
Services Offered
- Estate recovery program administration for Medicaid and waiver program recipients
- Claim information provision and medical assistance repayment processing
- Hardship waiver evaluation and application assistance
- Guidance on probate and non-probate estate matters
- Handling of excess burial trust funds and irrevocable burial trusts
- Coordination with funeral homes, nursing homes, and banks for asset recovery
- Management of annuity and life insurance proceeds subject to recovery
- Elder law attorney services related to Medicaid estate claims
- Compliance with Iowa Code Sections 249A.53(2) and administrative rules
- Assistance with Medical Assistance Income Trust (Miller Trust) residual fund handling
This program serves individuals and entities across Iowa, including executors, next of kin, and professionals such as funeral directors and bankers. It operates with strict adherence to state legislation, ensuring that recovery is conducted fairly and in line with statutory priorities and exemptions.
