This bill appropriates funds from the general fund of the state to the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the fiscal year 2025-2026, totaling over $102 million for various services. Key allocations include $1,369,205 for the Department of Veterans Affairs administration, $19,208,180 for aging programs, and $24,442,121 for behavioral health initiatives. The bill emphasizes the importance of local matching funds and outlines specific funding for health-related programs, including maternal support and community health initiatives. It also includes provisions for child support services and medical assistance, with a total allocation of $1,900,804,677 for medical assistance reimbursement, while stipulating that funds shall not be used for abortions unless expressly authorized.

Additionally, the bill introduces several significant provisions, including a prohibition on using medical assistance funds for sex reassignment surgery or treatment related to gender dysphoria. It mandates that reimbursement rates for medical assistance remain at current levels, with exceptions for negotiated contracts. The bill also establishes a hospital directed payment program, requiring HHS to seek federal approval and allowing assessments on hospitals to fund the program. Notably, it eliminates the option for HHS to select a program administrator for the maternal support program, mandating direct administration by HHS. The bill further modifies the transfer of funds from the beer and liquor control fund to the behavioral health fund and ensures that certain appropriated funds do not revert at the end of the fiscal year, emphasizing the need for program integrity and maximizing federal support.

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