Iowa is seeking federal approval to cut a key Medicaid health care benefit for the elderly and poor in an effort to save money. The state has asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to eliminate a provision that allows a person to get Medicaid coverage three months before he or she submits an application to join the program. DHS estimates $36.7 million would be saved, including $9.7 million for the state. The policy would impact new Medicaid patients.
