Iowa Admin. Code r. 199-37.4 - [Effective 4/9/2025] Application process and eligibility

Applications will be processed in queue. Additional vouchers will not be issued during a period if unpaid vouchers are outstanding for the remaining funds budgeted for the period. By signing the application form or otherwise averring to the accuracy of the information contained in the application, an applicant or the applicant's power of attorney certifies that the information provided therein is true.

(1) Eligibility. No person is entitled to equipment at a particular time merely because the person meets the eligibility requirements. An eligible applicant will be limited to a voucher for one type of equipment or equipment package. A person is eligible for equipment under the program if the following requirements are satisfied:

a. The applicant's equipment need is verified by an appropriate professional, which may include a licensed physician; certified teacher in the fields of hearing, speech, or visual impairment; licensed and certified sign language interpreter; speech pathologist; audiologist or hearing aid specialist; or appropriate state or federal agency representative.

b. The applicant has, or has applied for, access to the service that will allow the applicant to use the requested equipment. Access to Internet service may be provided through a public wireless network connection.

c. The applicant is an individual and an Iowa resident.

d. The applicant is at least five years of age or demonstrates an ability to use the equipment requested. No demonstration is necessary for those five years of age and older.

e. The applicant agrees to cooperate with studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

f. The applicant's gross annual family income is equal to or less than $76,000 for a family of two. Family sizes above or below two will increase or decrease that amount in $10,000 increments per family member change.

(2) Reapplication. Prior voucher recipients may reapply through the program to replace existing equipment or to obtain new equipment, as appropriate. Reapplication will be limited by a three-year waiting period. The reapplication period may be shortened by the commission's equipment distribution program project manager in an individual case for good cause shown. At the time of reapplication for equipment, it is not necessary for the applicant's need for the equipment to be reverified by an appropriate professional. The program administrator will verify that the applicant reapplying for equipment previously qualified for and continues to qualify for a voucher.

Notes

Iowa Admin. Code r. 199-37.4

Amended by IAB February 28, 2018/Volume XL, Number 18, effective 4/4/2018 Amended by IAB March 8, 2023/Volume XLV, Number 18, effective 4/12/2023 Editorial change: IAC Supplement 7/24/2024 Adopted by IAB March 5, 2025/Volume XLVII, Number 18, effective 4/9/2025