The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a proposed rule that would remove a monthly cap on respite services that families could use when caring for people in Medicaid waiver programs. The proposal would create an annual limit of 576 respite hours for all home- and community-based waiver programs, rather than a monthly limit of 48 hours. The cap established by the Legislature is expected to save $2.5 million annually. About 6,100 Iowans receive respite services. The new rule would provide more flexibility for caregivers to group hours as needed, the department said. The DHS will produce a formal rule change for the August meeting of the Rules and Review Committee. If approved, it would take effect Sept. 1. For a related Business Record story, click here.