River Bend Times

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks has called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to approve UnityPoint Health's application for a new senior healthcare facility in Bettendorf, Iowa. The proposed Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) location aims to provide essential services to seniors who prefer living independently while still having access to nursing home and healthcare services.

Joining Miller-Meeks in this appeal were U.S. Senator Joni Ernst and Representatives Ashley Hinson, Zach Nunn, and Randy Feenstra, all from Iowa.

In their letter to CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure, they wrote: "We are writing to express support for a pending service area expansion (SAE) application by UnityPoint Health to open a new Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) location in Bettendorf, Iowa."

The lawmakers emphasized the importance of PACE centers: "PACE locations serve as a vital lifeline for seniors who seek to live with more independence. This unique program enables people who would otherwise need to be in a nursing home to remain at home and in their community while still having appropriate access to healthcare services."

They urged CMS to expedite the approval process before the 3rd quarter PACE application cycle deadline of September 27, 2024: "As there is local excitement about offering PACE in eastern Iowa, we ask that CMS move as expeditiously as possible with the approval of UnityPoint Health’s pending SAE application before the 3rd quarter PACE application cycle deadline of September 27, 2024."

The letter also highlighted potential delays if the Bettendorf application is not approved on time: "If the pending SAE application for Bettendorf, IA, is not approved prior to the 3rd quarter deadline, all forthcoming SAE applications will be unduly delayed because the next SAE application cannot be submitted until December 27, 2024."

UnityPoint Health plans additional PACE expansion sites in Waterloo and Hiawatha. The lawmakers noted that delays would negatively impact older adults not just in Bettendorf but also in these other communities.

"We encourage CMS to move as expeditiously as possible," they concluded.

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