HF 13 – Annual Automatic Increases in Medicaid Provider Reimbursement Rates
House File 13 establishes a system for annual automatic increases in the reimbursement rates for Medicaid providers in Iowa. The Department of Health and Human Services is required to adjust the reimbursement rates every July 1, applying either the percentage increase in the consumer price index for the Midwest region or a 2.5% increase, whichever is lower. This measure aims to ensure that Medicaid providers receive fair compensation that reflects inflation and cost of living adjustments. The bill overrides any existing laws regarding inflation factors or indexing of these rates, thereby streamlining the process for annual adjustments. This initiative is intended to support the sustainability of Medicaid services and providers in the state.
Registration: For
Action: introduced, referred to health and human services. h.j. 40
HF 14 – Rescheduling of Crystalline Polymorph Psilocybin in Iowa
House File 14 aims to amend Iowa’s controlled substance regulations by removing crystalline polymorph psilocybin, also known as COMP 360, from Schedule I upon its approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bill stipulates that once the FDA approves the drug, it will be rescheduled based on federal recommendations, making it lawful to prescribe, distribute, and market the substance. Currently, psilocybin is classified as a hallucinogenic substance with severe penalties for possession. This legislation reflects a shift towards recognizing the potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin, aligning state law with federal regulations.
Registration: Undecided
Action: subcommittee meeting: 02/04/2025 12:00pm rm 304
HF 163 – Iowa School Safety Enhancement Act
The Iowa School Safety Enhancement Act aims to improve school safety by requiring the creation of multidisciplinary threat assessment teams within school districts and accredited nonpublic schools. These teams are tasked with assessing and intervening when students exhibit behaviors that may pose a threat to safety. The bill also allows for the sharing of relevant information among covered entities, including schools and governmental agencies, to ensure that students at risk receive appropriate services. Additionally, the legislation provides immunity from civil liability for individuals who report potential threats in good faith. Overall, the act seeks to foster collaboration among various stakeholders to better protect students and staff in educational environments.
Registration: Undecided
Action: introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 01/30.
HF 4 – Health Benefit Plan Claims and Explanation of Benefits Act
House File 4 outlines the process for health care professionals to submit claims for reimbursement to a covered person’s primary health benefit plan before approaching any secondary plans. It also stipulates that if a covered person or their representative requests an explanation of benefits from the primary plan, it must be provided within thirty calendar days. The bill aims to streamline the claims process and ensure transparency in health care costs covered by insurance plans.
Registration: Undecided
Action: subcommittee: wills, j., barker and wilson. h.j. 01/22. subcommittee recommends passage.
HF 5 – Autism Spectrum Disorder Insurance Coverage Expansion Act
The Autism Spectrum Disorder Insurance Coverage Expansion Act amends existing laws to provide comprehensive insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. It removes the previous age limit of 21 years and the maximum annual benefit of $36,000, ensuring that individuals of all ages can access necessary services without financial constraints. The bill mandates that group policies must cover applied behavior analysis and other treatments without imposing limits on the number of visits. It also requires that these provisions be applicable to policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2026. The legislation aims to improve access to essential health services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Registration: For
Action: subcommittee: young, vondran and zabner. h.j. 115. Subcommittee recommends passage.
HF 61 – Health Services Price Transparency Act
House File 61 requires health care providers to disclose the prices for the twenty-five most common health services they offer, while hospitals must disclose prices for the seventy-five most common inpatient and outpatient services. This information must be made available in a single document on their websites and updated regularly. The price disclosures are to be provided prior to any discounts and assume no medical complications. Additionally, a disclaimer must accompany the price information, clarifying that the prices are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances. The legislation aims to improve consumer awareness and facilitate informed decision-making regarding health care services.
Registration: Undecided
Action: introduced, referred to health and human services. h.j. 62.
HF 90 – Iowa Continuing Education Requirements Reform
House File 90 aims to reform the continuing education requirements for licensed professionals in Iowa. It mandates that any continuing education credits must be directly related to the practice of the licensed profession. Additionally, it exempts practitioners with at least ten years of experience and a master’s or doctoral degree from renewal requirements, unless they hold an evaluator approval endorsement, which must be renewed every ten years. The bill also requires the Iowa Supreme Court to adopt rules for attorneys that align with these principles. Overall, the legislation seeks to streamline and focus continuing education on relevant professional practices.
Registered: Undecided
Action: introduced, referred to state government. h.j. 100. subcommittee: lundgren, harris and srinivas. h.j. 170.
HSB 19 – Prior Authorization Reform and Exemption Program
House Study Bill 19 mandates that utilization review organizations respond to prior authorization requests within specified timeframes, ensuring timely access to care for patients. It requires annual reviews of prior authorization requirements to eliminate those that do not significantly impact healthcare quality or costs. Additionally, by January 15, 2026, health carriers must implement a pilot program exempting certain healthcare providers from prior authorization requirements. The bill also stipulates that health carriers provide detailed information about the exemption program on their websites and submit a report on the program’s outcomes by January 15, 2027.
Registered: For
Action: subcommittee recommends passage.
HSB 35 – Iowa Constitutional Amendment on Witness Confrontation Rights
The proposed amendment to the Constitution of Iowa aims to enhance the protection of vulnerable witnesses, including children under 18 and those with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. It allows for the right of an accused to confront these witnesses to be limited by law, thereby prioritizing the safety and well-being of these individuals during legal proceedings. If adopted, the amendment will be published and referred to the next general assembly for further consideration before being submitted to voters for ratification. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance the rights of the accused with the protection of vulnerable populations in the judicial system.
Registered: For
Action: subcommittee recommends passage.
SSB 1016 – Prior Authorization Reform and Exemption Pilot Program
Senate Study Bill 1016 mandates that utilization review organizations respond to prior authorization requests within specified timeframes, ensuring timely access to care. It requires annual reviews of prior authorization requirements to eliminate those that do not significantly improve healthcare quality or reduce costs. Additionally, by January 15, 2026, health carriers must implement a pilot program exempting a subset of healthcare providers from prior authorization requirements. The bill also stipulates that health carriers provide detailed information about the exemption program on their websites and submit a report on the program’s outcomes by January 15, 2027.
Registered: For
Action: subcommittee recommends passage.
IMHCA is also registering opposed to the following anti-LGBTQ bills
HF 80 and SF 8 – Allows school staff to misgender students
HSB 84 – Prohibits inclusion of LGBTQ material through high school