This bill amends various provisions related to public assistance programs in Iowa, specifically focusing on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the medical assistance program (Medicaid), and the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP). Key changes include the requirement for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to verify immigration and citizenship status through the systematic alien verification for entitlements online service. Additionally, the bill stipulates that HHS must consider the income and financial resources of all household members when determining SNAP eligibility, including those deemed ineligible. It also establishes specific criteria for individuals to qualify for SNAP based on their immigration status and mandates HHS to notify the U.S. Department of Agriculture if it cannot verify a household member's eligibility.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for retroactive eligibility for Medicaid and IHAWP, allowing applicants to request eligibility for up to two months and one month, respectively, prior to their application date, contingent upon federal approval of necessary waivers. HHS is tasked with conducting cost neutrality analyses before submitting requests for waivers or state plan amendments to expand coverage, ensuring that such actions do not result in increased state spending. The bill also requires HHS to submit annual reports to the General Assembly detailing the implementation and fiscal impact of retroactive eligibility provisions. The entire act is set to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 239.6, 239.1, 239.2, 249A.3B