The bill outlines appropriations for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Iowa, allocating significant funds for various programs aimed at supporting veterans, health services, and vulnerable populations. Key appropriations include $1,369,205 for the Department of Veterans Affairs administration, $8,145,736 for the Iowa Veterans Home, and $19,208,180 for aging programs. The bill emphasizes the importance of monthly reporting on expenditures related to the Iowa Veterans Home and continues the home ownership assistance program for veterans. Additionally, it designates $24,442,121 for behavioral health initiatives, including children's services and substance use disorder management, and allocates $1,900,804,677 for medical assistance and related programs.

Moreover, the bill introduces several provisions, including the prohibition of appropriated funds for sex reassignment surgery and mandates that reimbursement rates for health services remain at current levels unless negotiated otherwise. It also eliminates the option for HHS to select a program administrator for the maternal support program, requiring direct administration by HHS. A new hospital directed payment program is established, allowing HHS to impose assessments on hospitals to fund the program, pending federal approval. The bill aims to enhance compliance and accountability within HHS, ensuring regular reporting to the General Assembly on expenditures and the distribution of full-time equivalent positions, while also allowing unencumbered funds to remain available for future fiscal years.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 231.56A, 8.33, 123.17, 17A.4