Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Advocating for Quality Long-Term Care in Iowa
Since 1950, we have been the leading voice for long-term care providers across Iowa. Our organization represents skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, home health agencies, and senior living providers, advocating for policies that enhance care quality and operational sustainability. Through decades of experience, we have developed specialized expertise in regulatory compliance, workforce development, and quality improvement initiatives. As a trusted authority in the industry, we provide comprehensive educational resources, certification programs, and advocacy tools that empower our members to meet evolving healthcare standards.Our commitment to transparency and ethical practices ensures members receive reliable guidance on Medicaid reimbursement, life safety regulations, and quality assurance frameworks. With a proven track record of navigating complex policy changes, we remain dedicated to advancing the interests of Iowa's long-term care community.
Services
Advocacy Services
Education Programs
Medicaid Enrollment Support
QAPI Foundations Workshop
MDS Support
Provider Solutions
Workforce Development
Regulatory Compliance
Quality Improvement
Member Networking
Details
- Year established: 1950
Highlights and features
- We provide leadership and advocacy for long-term care providers across Iowa
- Our organization offers specialized education and certification programs
- We deliver expert Medicaid reimbursement and regulatory compliance guidance
- Our team has 75 years of experience in long-term care policy development
- We connect providers with cost-saving initiatives through our business solutions division
Services
Advocacy Services
We represent long-term care providers before state and federal policymakers to shape favorable regulations. Our team monitors legislative developments, organizes member action campaigns, and provides expert testimony on healthcare policy. With 75 years of experience, we ensure providers' voices are heard in regulatory decision-making processes.
Education Programs
Our comprehensive education calendar includes certification courses, leadership development, and compliance training. The Executive Health Care Leadership Institute develops future industry leaders while on-demand modules cover critical topics like quality improvement and regulatory standards. All programs meet continuing education requirements for healthcare professionals.
Medicaid Enrollment Support
We streamline Medicaid enrollment processes for providers through specialized guidance and documentation support. Our experts help facilities navigate complex reimbursement requirements, reduce processing delays, and maintain compliance with state and federal Medicaid regulations to protect revenue streams.
QAPI Foundations Workshop
This on-demand program teaches providers to implement effective Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement systems. The five-module curriculum helps facilities meet CMS requirements, enhance care outcomes, and develop sustainable quality improvement frameworks tailored to long-term care environments.
MDS Support
Our experts provide comprehensive Minimum Data Set (MDS) support to ensure accurate resident assessments and regulatory compliance. Services include staffing relief, process optimization, and training to help facilities maintain data integrity while improving care planning and reimbursement accuracy.
People
Brent Willett
President and CEO
Leading the association since 2017, Brent brings extensive healthcare administration experience to guide policy development and member services. He oversees strategic initiatives that support Iowa's long-term care providers.
Merea Bentrott
Chief Operating Officer
As COO, Merea manages day-to-day operations and member services. With decades of healthcare leadership experience, she ensures efficient delivery of educational programs, advocacy efforts, and operational support for providers.
Brandon Hagen
SVP, Reimbursement and Policy Advisor
Brandon leads reimbursement strategy and policy analysis. His expertise in Medicaid regulations and payment systems helps providers navigate complex financial frameworks while advocating for fair reimbursement policies.
Brenda Irlbeck
VP, Regulatory Affairs
Brenda directs regulatory compliance initiatives, helping providers meet state and federal requirements. With deep knowledge of healthcare regulations, she provides critical guidance on survey preparation and quality standards.
Natalie Thompson
Communications Director
Natalie manages internal and external communications while directing the IHCA Foundation's scholarship programs. She develops strategic messaging that highlights member achievements and industry needs.
Questions
What does the Iowa Health Care Association do?
We advocate for long-term care providers through policy leadership, educational programs, and operational resources for nursing homes, assisted living communities, and home health agencies.
How can I join IHCA?
Membership is open to licensed long-term care providers in Iowa. Visit our website to complete an application or contact our membership team for assistance.
What educational resources do you offer?
We provide certification programs, leadership development, compliance training, and on-demand courses through our education platform to meet healthcare professionals' continuing education needs.
Do you offer Medicaid enrollment assistance?
Yes, our Medicaid enrollment support helps providers navigate complex reimbursement requirements and reduce processing delays through specialized guidance and documentation support.
What is the QAPI Foundations Workshop?
This on-demand program teaches quality improvement systems that help facilities meet CMS requirements, enhance care outcomes, and develop sustainable quality frameworks for long-term care.
How do you support workforce development?
The IHCA Foundation awards scholarships to current and aspiring long-term care professionals, while our training programs help develop skilled staff for Iowa's growing aging population.