Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB248

Introduced
2/25/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to public assistance programs, work requirements for the Iowa health and wellness plan, an information technology fund, the public assistance modernization fund, and the Medicaid for employed people with disabilities program and program review and report.(See HF 948.)

Impact

The implications of HSB248 on state law include the enforceability of work requirements, which aligns with similar policies in other states and federal assistance programs. The bill establishes an information technology fund aimed at modernizing the systems supporting Iowa's public assistance programs, indicating a push towards improving efficiency. Additionally, it seeks to amend the existing Medicaid for employed people with disabilities program, specifically adjusting resource disregards to better accommodate couples who apply for assistance while still encouraging employment among those with disabilities.

Summary

House Study Bill 248 (HSB248) introduces significant changes to public assistance programs in Iowa, primarily focusing on work requirements for participants in the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP). The bill mandates that members must work at least 80 hours per month to maintain their eligibility for the program, with various exemptions for specific demographics, such as those under 19, over 65, disabled individuals, and caretakers of dependent children, among others. This move is positioned as an effort to decrease reliance on public assistance and promote economic stability and mobility for low-income Iowans.

Contention

Notable points of contention surround the introduction of work requirements, which proponents argue will help ensure that benefits go to those actively participating in the workforce. However, opponents may express concerns about the potential risks of eroding support for vulnerable populations who might struggle to meet such requirements, particularly in light of varying local job markets and personal circumstances. The requirement to request federal approval for implementing these work mandates further complicates the landscape, raising questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of the proposed changes.

Implementation

Furthermore, the bill provides provisions for an alternate plan should federal regulations change regarding work requirements, showcasing the dynamic nature of public assistance policy development in response to both state and federal landscapes. It will be essential for the Department of Health and Human Services to adapt swiftly to any shifts and continue supporting individuals needing assistance through this transition.

Companion Bills

IA HF948

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to public assistance programs, work requirements for the Iowa health and wellness plan, an information technology fund, the public assistance modernization fund, and the Medicaid for employed people with disabilities program and program review and report.(Formerly HSB 248.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF948

A bill for an act relating to public assistance programs, work requirements for the Iowa health and wellness plan, an information technology fund, the public assistance modernization fund, and the Medicaid for employed people with disabilities program and program review and report.(Formerly HSB 248.)

IA SF599

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.(Formerly SF 363; See SF 615.)

IA SF615

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.

IA HSB696

A bill for an act relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance program, the medical assistance program, and other public assistance programs under the purview of the department of health and human services.(See HF 2716.)

IA SSB3140

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.)

IA HSB241

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.)

IA SF2422

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.

IA HF2716

A bill for an act relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance program; the medical assistance program; the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children; and other public assistance programs under the purview of the department of health and human services. (Formerly HSB 696.)

IA SSB1174

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.

IA HF424

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.

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