This bill establishes new work requirements for the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP), mandating that members work at least 80 hours per month to maintain eligibility. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is tasked with seeking federal approval for these requirements and may exempt certain individuals from this obligation based on specific criteria, such as age, disability, or caregiving responsibilities. Additionally, if federal regulations change to exclude work requirements, HHS is required to either discontinue the IHAWP or implement an alternative plan, subject to statutory approval.

The bill also 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. Furthermore, it amends the Medicaid for Employed People with Disabilities (MEPD) program to allow for a maximum of $21,000 in available resources for couples, while maintaining the $10,000 limit for individuals. HHS is required to review the MEPD program in other states and report findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by December 15, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8.33, 249A.3