Iowa

Medicaid program name: IA Health Link

Medicaid ACO program name: Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP)

Status: Active

Summary:
Iowa was awarded a State Innovation Model (SIM) grant in 2014 to align and transform Iowa’s statewide delivery system into on focused on population health. The project implemented an ACO model in the Medicaid population aligned with the existing Medicare and commercial ACO programs in that state. During SIM test in 2016, Iowa’s Medicaid program was shifted to a full managed care model and the project was pivoted to leverage partnerships with managed care organizations (MCOs). Currently, MCOs are required to engage in risk-based contracting with ACOs. Payment rates are related to quality scores, and the state is working to include behavioral health and social determinants of health (SDOH) measures in future contracting. 

More information:

• About Iowa Medicaid
• Iowa State innovation Model (SIM)
• Iowa SIM Year 4 Operational Plan - 2019
• Iowa Health and Wellness Plan FAQs