Health Management Systems, Inc. Ex Rel. Iowa Department of Human Services v. Laughead

TERNUS, justice.

This appeal concerns the scope of reimbursement authorized by Iowa Code section 249A.5(2) for payments made under the State’s medical assistance or Medicaid program. The appellee, Health Management Systems, Inc., acting on behalf of the Iowa Department of Human Services, filed a claim in the Estate of Ruby Laughead to recover Medicaid payments made on behalf of Laughead in the years prior to her death. Over the objections of the appellant, Charles Laughead, Administrator of the Estate of Ruby Laughead, the district court included in the probate estate a life estate held by…