A bill for an act relating to the establishment of the work without worry program under the medical assistance program for employed individuals with disabilities, and including effective date provisions.
Impact
The new program will remove existing restrictions that require individuals with disabilities to meet stringent income and resource limits to qualify for Medicaid benefits. Instead, individuals earning from employment will have the potential to keep their benefits intact, thus encouraging a greater number of individuals to seek and retain employment. The bill notably allows individuals receiving supplemental security income to automatically qualify for the program, enhancing the outreach to those who may have been hesitant to work due to the risk of losing health benefits.
Summary
House File 424 establishes the 'Work Without Worry' program under Iowa's medical assistance framework for employed individuals with disabilities. This initiative aims to provide easier access to healthcare coverage and long-term services for those who are employed but may face challenges due to their disabilities. By minimizing the eligibility barriers related to income and resources, the program promotes the employment of individuals with disabilities and aligns with federal Medicaid objectives, ensuring they can maintain gainful employment without the fear of losing their healthcare benefits.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HF424 include discussions about the long-term sustainability of the program, as well as the implications of changing eligibility criteria. Some legislators have raised concerns about the financial impact on state resources as more individuals may qualify and transition from traditional Medicaid programs. Furthermore, opposition may arise from groups advocating for stricter eligibility requirements, who argue that ease of access could lead to misuse of benefits or higher costs for the state.
Related
A bill for an act relating to the establishment of the work without worry program under the medical assistance program for employed individuals with disabilities, and including effective date provisions.
A bill for an act relating to the establishment of the work without worry program under the medical assistance program for employed individuals with disabilities, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 905.)
A bill for an act relating to the establishment of the work without worry program under the medical assistance program for employed individuals with disabilities, and including effective date provisions.
A bill for an act relating to the establishment of the work without worry program under the medical assistance program for employed individuals with disabilities, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 241.)
A bill for an act relating to work requirements for the Iowa health and wellness plan, public assistance programs, an information technology fund, the public assistance modernization fund, and the Medicaid for employed people with disabilities program, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SF 599, SF 363.) Effective date: 06/06/2025, 07/01/2025.
A bill for an act relating to public assistance programs under the purview of the department of health and human services, including the supplemental nutrition assistance program, Medicaid, and the Iowa health and wellness plan, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 3140.) Effective date: Enactment, 01/01/2027.
A bill for an act relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance program, the medical assistance program, the Iowa health and wellness plan, and other programs under the purview of the department of health and human services and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2422.)