This bill introduces work requirements for the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP) as a condition for maintaining eligibility, aiming to reduce reliance on public assistance among low-income Iowans. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is tasked with seeking federal approval for these requirements and must exempt certain individuals, including those under 19, over 65, disabled, caretakers of young children, and others facing specific circumstances. The bill mandates that any exemptions align closely with those in other public assistance programs and requires HHS to implement these work requirements upon receiving federal approval and establishing a system for evaluation and reporting.

Additionally, the bill creates an Information Technology Fund under HHS for modernization initiatives, repeals the existing Public Assistance Modernization Fund, and transfers any remaining funds to the new IT fund by June 30, 2025. It also amends the Medicaid for Employed People with Disabilities program to allow a maximum of $10,000 in disregarded resources for individuals and $21,000 for couples, ensuring that certain resources are not counted against eligibility. The bill emphasizes the alignment of work rules across public assistance programs and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8.33, 249A.3