Frequently Asked Questions
The following represent some of the questions we receive most frequently at the Iowa Department on Aging. If you need assistance, please contact us.
Who do I contact if I am concerned about my loved one who is living in a nursing facility?
If you have concerns about the quality of life or care your loved one is receiving in a nursing facility, residential care facility, assisted living program or elder group home in Iowa, contact the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (OSLTCO). The OSLTCO works to protect the health, safety, welfare and rights of individuals residing in long-term care facilities by investigating complaints, seeking resolutions to problems and providing advocacy.
How do I get services to live independently at home instead of moving into a facility?
To learn more about the home and community-based services available in your area and to find out if you are eligible to receive them, contact your Area Agency on Aging or call LifeLong Links at (866) 468-7887.
How do I report elder abuse, neglect or financial exploitation?
In the case of an emergency or life-threatening situation, call 911. If you need to report the abuse of an older adult who lives in the community, call the Iowa Department of Human Services Abuse Hotline at (800) 362-2178. If you need to report the abuse of an individual living in a long-term care facility or assisted living program in Iowa, call the Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals Complaint Intake Line at (877) 686-0027, or the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at (866) 236-1430.
How do I get signed up for home-delivered services, like home health care, chore services or Meals on Wheels?
To learn more about the home and community-based services available in your area and to find out if you are eligible to receive them, contact your Area Agency on Aging or call LifeLong Links at (866) 468-7887.
Who do I contact if I have questions about Medicaid?
If you need information about enrolling in Medicaid, contact the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise at (800) 338-8366. If you are already a Medicaid managed care member and you have questions about providers or services, contact your Managed Care Organization's member services hotline. If you are a Medicaid managed care member who lives in or receives long-term care, or if you are enrolled in one of Medicaid's seven HCBS waiver programs, and you have a concern with or complaint against a provider or your Managed Care Organization, contact the Managed Care Ombudsman Program at (866) 236-1430 or ManagedCareOmbudsman@iowa.gov.