House File 249 amends existing Iowa law regarding the recovery of benefits or provider payments that have been inappropriately obtained from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The bill establishes that if a person refuses or neglects to repay such benefits, the amount owed will constitute a debt and create a lien on the person's property, with certain exceptions for property exempt from execution. It clarifies that liens will not attach to amounts attributable to errors made by the departments, but only to those obtained through false or misleading information provided by the individual.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that allows the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing to refer cases of suspected fraud or misrepresentation related to public assistance benefits for further review. In cases where fraud is substantiated, the state may pursue various legal options, including removing recipients from other assistance programs and garnishing wages or tax refunds to recover the fraudulently claimed amounts. The bill aims to enhance the accountability and integrity of public assistance programs in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10A.108, 558.49
Enrolled: 10A.108, 558.49