Iowa House Bill HF424

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/25
• Refer: 2/17/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the establishment of the work without worry program under the medical assistance program for employed individuals with disabilities, and including effective date provisions.

Impact

The new program will remove existing restrictions that require individuals with disabilities to meet stringent income and resource limits to qualify for Medicaid benefits. Instead, individuals earning from employment will have the potential to keep their benefits intact, thus encouraging a greater number of individuals to seek and retain employment. The bill notably allows individuals receiving supplemental security income to automatically qualify for the program, enhancing the outreach to those who may have been hesitant to work due to the risk of losing health benefits.

Summary

House File 424 establishes the 'Work Without Worry' program under Iowa's medical assistance framework for employed individuals with disabilities. This initiative aims to provide easier access to healthcare coverage and long-term services for those who are employed but may face challenges due to their disabilities. By minimizing the eligibility barriers related to income and resources, the program promotes the employment of individuals with disabilities and aligns with federal Medicaid objectives, ensuring they can maintain gainful employment without the fear of losing their healthcare benefits.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HF424 include discussions about the long-term sustainability of the program, as well as the implications of changing eligibility criteria. Some legislators have raised concerns about the financial impact on state resources as more individuals may qualify and transition from traditional Medicaid programs. Furthermore, opposition may arise from groups advocating for stricter eligibility requirements, who argue that ease of access could lead to misuse of benefits or higher costs for the state.