A bill for an act relating to support of direct care services and the direct care workforce, establishing a state minimum hourly wage for direct care workers under the Medicaid program, and including a contingent effective date.

SF 530 establishes a phased minimum wage increase for direct care workers employed by Medicaid providers in Iowa, starting at $15/hour on July 1, 2026, rising $1 annually to $20/hour by July 1, 2031, with future cost-of-living adjustments. It directly affects home health aides, personal assistants, certified nursing assistants, and other direct care workers providing services under Medicaid. The bill requires Medicaid providers to pay these wages, but takes effect only after the state increases Medicaid reimbursement rates to cover the cost. The measure also includes requirements for workforce surveys and reviews of past funding impacts on wages.