Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB122

Introduced
2/3/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to Hawki coverage for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder applied behavior analysis services, the autism support program, and making an appropriation.(See HF 509.)

Impact

The implications of HSB122 are significant for state laws regarding autism treatment funding and support programs. With a mandated inclusion of ABA services under the Hawki program, the bill enhances healthcare access for children with autism, aligning with federal requirements under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. However, the bill concurrently establishes a timeline for the cessation of new applications to the autism support program after June 30, 2025, and its repeal by July 1, 2027. This creates a concern regarding continuity of services for individuals who may still rely on the current support structure.

Summary

House Study Bill 122, also referred to as HSB122, pertains to the Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (Hawki) program, specifically addressing coverage for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for children with autism spectrum disorder. The bill aims to ensure that ABA services are included in the benefits covered by qualified child health plans, thus expanding access to necessary treatments for autism. To support this initiative, the bill proposes an appropriation of $750,000 from the autism support fund for the fiscal year 2025-2026.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding HSB122, particularly regarding the implications of closing the autism support program in the near future. Stakeholders, including parents and autism advocacy groups, may express concern that halting new applications could limit future access for children requiring treatment. Additionally, the requirement for existing services to transition into the Hawki coverage structure could face scrutiny, especially if there are apprehensions about the adequacy and reliability of the funding allocated for the program. Advocacy for ongoing support beyond 2027 will likely be a focal point of debates as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

IA HF509

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to Hawki coverage for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder applied behavior analysis services, and the autism support program.(Formerly HSB 122.)

Previously Filed As

IA HSB74

A bill for an act relating to insurance coverage for covered individuals for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder.(See HF 243.)

IA HF243

A bill for an act relating to insurance coverage for covered individuals for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder.(Formerly HSB 74.)

IA SSB1050

A bill for an act relating to insurance coverage for covered individuals for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder.

IA HF2673

A bill for an act related to state behavioral health, disability, and addictive disorder services and related programs, including the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, the elimination of the commission on aging, the elimination of special intellectual disability units at state mental health institutes, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 2509, HSB 653.) Effective date: 05/15/2024, 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025.

IA HSB653

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2509, HF 2673.)

IA SSB3205

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for veterans and health and human services, including other related provisions and appropriations, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(See SF 2437.)

IA SF2437

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for veterans and health and human services, including other related provisions and appropriations, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 3205.)

IA HF2509

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 653; See HF 2673.)

IA SSB3146

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2354, SF 2420.)

IA HF2242

A bill for an act relating to aid, processes, services, and support staff for children in, adopted from, or in need of foster care, and making appropriations.(See HF 2671.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.