This bill appropriates funds for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), focusing on various programs related to veterans, aging, disability services, behavioral health, and public health. Key allocations include over $1.6 million for the Department of Veterans Affairs administration, more than $8 million for the Iowa Veterans Home, and approximately $19 million for aging programs. A new Veterans Service Organization Grant Program is established to provide grants to organizations assisting veterans with claims, with provisions to prevent the reversion of unspent funds at the end of the fiscal year. The bill also emphasizes funding for behavioral health initiatives and community health programs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to health and human services in Iowa.

Significant changes in the bill include an increase in the personal needs allowance for residents of certain facilities and the establishment of a reimbursement methodology for nursing facilities under Medicaid. The bill also mandates the development of a forecasting formula for nursing facility beds and outlines HHS's responsibilities in managing funds. Additionally, it amends various sections of Iowa law to ensure that certain appropriated funds do not revert at the end of the fiscal year, particularly for rural psychiatric residencies and adoption subsidies. The bill introduces new provisions regarding the autism support program, stating that no new applications will be approved after July 1, 2025, while continuing services for current enrollees, and it modifies requirements for licensed professionals at commitment hearings. Overall, the bill aims to enhance health services, support families, and ensure the sustainability of care facilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 35A.23, 135C.1, 8.33, 123.17, 17A.4, 514I.5, 225D.2, 229.12, 125.2, 125.85, 229.1, 229.16, 229.14, 232.142