Capitol Notebook: Iowa Medicaid makes it easier to repair wheelchairs

Iowa Medicaid recipients no longer will need a prescription to have their wheelchairs repaired under a recent policy change.

State Rep. Josh Turek, D-Council Bluff, a Paralympian and disability rights advocate, introduced a “Right to Repair” bill this year aimed at making it easier for Iowa Medicaid members to repair their wheelchairs more quickly with fewer barriers and less cost.

Turek is two-time gold medalist in wheelchair basketball.

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The bill removed the need for a doctor's visit and a prescription for a wheelchair repair. House File 2706 unanimously passed the Iowa House, but stalled in the Iowa Senate.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has now adopted the policy administratively, eliminating the need for prescriptions and doctor visits for the repairs.

A July 10 memo to medical equipment suppliers from department states that effective July 1, a prescription is no longer required for wheelchair repairs under the program.

“The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recognizes the concerns related to barrier and delays involving (Iowa Medicaid) member wheelchair repairs and is working to best serve our members,” the memo states.

The change applies for all Iowa Medicaid recipients, but does not affect the need for prior authorizations for repairs.

Turek, in a statement, said the new policy is expected to drastically reduce repair times, allowing individuals to maintain their mobility and quality of life.

“This is a huge win for disabled Iowans,” Turek said. “By removing the need for a face-to-face doctor visit and a prescription for a repair, we are taking weeks, and in some cases months, off of the repair process. By removing this unnecessary barrier, this policy change will save time and money. Most importantly, it will reduce the pain and suffering of disabled Iowans.”

Transportation panel OKs $9.3M plan

The Iowa Transportation Commission has approved $9.3 million in state and federal funds for the State Aviation Program in the 2025 state budget year, the Iowa Department of Transportation announced.

Of that funding, $6.3 million goes to the Airport Improvement Program, which supports airport development projects at 23 airports in Iowa, as well as aviation safety initiatives, system planning and air service development, according to the state transportation department. The program is funded through the State Aviation Fund using revenue from aircraft registration fees and aviation fuel taxes.

The remaining $3 million goes to infrastructure programs for projects at 14 airports across Iowa, according to the department. That funding will support terminal buildings, maintenance facilities and aviation hangars, the department said. The program is funded by Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund appropriations.

Bird leads brief in suit over California electric vehicle mandate

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Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird led a brief, signed by eight Republican-led states, in a lawsuit over California’s requirement that all passenger vehicles sold in the state be electric starting in 2035.

The brief argues the California mandate creates “financial repercussions” for other states because, it argues, the mandate surpasses the current market demand for electric vehicles, which compels manufacturers to invest more resources than they otherwise would. The brief argues those costs will ultimately be passed to consumers.

Idaho, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and Wyoming also signed the brief.

“I will not stand by as American families are forced to pay the price for California’s green car mandates,” Bird said in a statement.

Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau