The Office of Ombudsman does not have jurisdiction over private nursing homes and long-term care facilities. We often get confused with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, which does have jurisdiction over those facilities.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The Iowa Long Term Care Ombudsman, a separate agency from our office, can take complaints against long-term care facilities. You can contact them at:
Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
510 E 12th St., Ste. 2
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 725-3308 or (866) 236-1430
You can learn more about the program, find your local long-term care ombudsman, and find a complaint form at:
https://iowaaging.gov/state-long-term-care-ombudsman/find-ombudsman
Managed Care Ombudsman
The Managed Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the rights and needs of Medicaid managed care members in Iowa who live or receive care in a health care facility, assisted living program or elder group home.
For more information about the Managed Care Ombudsman and to access a complaint form, visit:
https://iowaaging.gov/state-long-term-care-ombudsman/managed-care-ombudsman-program
Tips for Making a Complaint
► Ask if you can speak with a supervisor or manager about your issue.
► Clearly explain what your issue is and what you’d like the outcome to be.
► Write down the names of the people you speak with, when you spoke with them and what they said.
► Make the conversation about what you need, be persistent but remain calm and polite.
► If you are still unsatisfied, ask what appeal and review processes are available and pay close attention to their criteria and deadlines.
Not Sure? Contact Us!
Please contact us directly if you don’t think it would be appropriate for us to require you to go through an available complaint or review process before we consider your complaint. We can consider your specific circumstances before we decide – including the urgency of your complaint or any disabilities or barriers you may be experiencing.
