Section 61.9.34. Computation of compensation.

The division shall determine the amount of compensation to be awarded to an eligible applicant.

       9.34(1) Benefit limits. Compensation shall be made up to the benefit category limits in effect on the date the application is filed. For an eligible victim of sexual abuse when the offender has been referred pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 229A, compensation shall be paid for expenses incurred after referral of the offender.

       9.34(2) Payer-of-last-resort. The program is a payer-of-last-resort pursuant to federal law 42 U.S.C. 10602(1403). Compensation shall not be paid for services when the provision for those services is mandated by law or administrative rule to be the responsibility of another governmental unit, private agency or program. Payments shall be reduced by payments made by offenders and third parties responsible for the damages of the crime.

       9.34(3) Voluntary financial programs. Compensation applicants will be encouraged to apply for other financial assistance programs to pay costs resulting from the crime-related injury. However, no applicant will be denied compensation benefits based on the applicant’s refusal to seek funds from a voluntary financial assistance program.

       9.34(4) Insurance providers. Eligible victims and claimants must give service providers the information necessary to bill insurance providers for crime-related treatment. Payment of compensation will not be made if the victim refuses or fails to provide information requested by the service or insurance provider or sign the required assignment of benefits within a reasonable time frame.

       9.34(5) Supplanting of funds prohibited. Compensation shall be made only when the claimant is responsible for the cost of crime-related injury. Compensation shall not be paid when a government entity, including but not limited to a mental health facility, jail, or prison, is responsible for the costs of treatment for injury from crime.