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.(Formerly HSB 241.)
Impact
The Work Without Worry program's implementation will significantly modify the criteria for accessing Medicaid for employed individuals with disabilities. By eliminating resource tests and income limits, this program is expected to encourage greater workforce participation among disabled individuals. Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate benefits with employers' health care plans, ensuring a more integrated approach to health care for employees who have disabilities.
Summary
House File 905, also known as the Work Without Worry program, aims to improve access to healthcare for employed individuals with disabilities in Iowa. This legislation establishes a new medical assistance program that removes previous income and resource limits that restricted disabled individuals from maintaining eligibility if they earned higher incomes. The program is designed to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage while allowing individuals to remain employed, addressing barriers that often prevent them from entering or remaining in the workforce.
Contention
Despite its positive intentions, the bill may face criticism regarding its sustainability and the potential burden it may place on state resources. Opponents may argue that removing income and resource limitations could lead to increased financial strain on the state’s Medicaid program, particularly in terms of managing the balance between providing necessary services and controlling costs. The ability of HHS to manage the demand for services without compromising the quality or availability for those in need might also come under scrutiny as the program is rolled out.
Related
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.(See HF 905.)
A bill for an act relating to the work without worry program for employed individuals with disabilities under the Medicaid program.(Formerly HSB 198; See HF 2589.)
A bill for an act relating to Medicaid-related programs and services including the work without worry program for employed individuals with disabilities and complex rehabilitation technology.(Formerly HF 403, HSB 198.)
A bill for an act relating to the work without worry program for employed individuals with disabilities under the Medicaid program.(See HF 403, HF 2589.)
A bill for an act relating to the maximum amount of available resources disregarded under the Medicaid for employed people with disabilities program.(Formerly HSB 747.)
A bill for an act relating to eligibility for pregnant women and infants under the Medicaid program, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 643.)
A bill for an act relating to limitations on activities related to paid claims under the Medicaid program, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 501.)
A bill for an act relating to eligibility for pregnant women and infants under the Medicaid program, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 3140.) Effective date: 01/01/2025.
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.
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.(See HF 905.)
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.