IPOST Essentials, April 28, 2014

IPOST stands for: Iowa Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment. The IPOST is a standardized, clearly identifiable one page, salmon colored form. The IPOST allows an individual to communicate their treatment preferences for life-sustaining treatments. This is a communication tool that is complementary to an advance directive. An IPOST is appropriate for individuals who are frail and elderly, have a chronic, serious critical medical condition, or terminal illness. To date, the following counties have launched the IPOST program: Linn, Jones, Johnson, Muscatine, Scott, Dubuque, Polk, Blackhawk, Woodbury and Webster.

Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Elderly Waiver Program

The Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Elderly Waiver program provides assistance to qualified individuals who are 65 or older and prefer to stay in their own home or another community setting when needing long-term health care services. The Elderly Waiver program provides services and support to older Iowans who are medically qualified for the level of care provided at a nursing facility but do not wish to live in a nursing home. The program allows older Iowans to age in environments that are familiar and comfortable, while saving money from expensive nursing home costs.