Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF566

Introduced
3/2/23  
Engrossed
3/16/23  
Introduced
3/2/23  
Refer
3/20/23  
Engrossed
3/16/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to bodies of the state governmental structure under the purview of the department of health and human services. (Formerly HF 386.)

Impact

Should HF 566 be enacted, it would significantly impact how the state administers its medical assistance and Hawki programs. The revisions will help form a more organized framework for evaluating and managing the budget and administrative processes. Additionally, it reinforces the necessity of compliance with federal legislation, which may enhance the effectiveness of the programs and potentially increase funding opportunities from federal sources. By establishing a protocol for frequent evaluations, it will allow the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to respond more swiftly to changes in necessity and funding.

Summary

House File 566 aims to amend and update parts of the Iowa Code relating to medical assistance programs and the Hawki (Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa) program. The bill emphasizes the importance of adhering to federal law for the administration of these programs while also streamlining certain processes for program implementation. Specifically, it requires the director of the program to periodically evaluate its scope and to project the costs involved, ensuring adequate budgeting in alignment with the needs of the state's children and families in need of medical assistance.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HF 566 appears to be generally positive among supporters, particularly advocates for children's health, who appreciate the focus on compliance with federal laws and the effort to manage resources more efficiently. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the sufficiency of funding and whether changes could affect the benefits currently available to families. Overall, supporters view the bill as a promising step toward improving health care accessibility for children, while skeptics urge careful consideration of its implications on existing benefits.

Contention

One notable point of contention in the discussions surrounding HF 566 involves the potential repercussions of tightening budget controls and evaluations, which may inadvertently affect accessibility and the comprehensiveness of the services offered. Some argue that while evaluations are essential, if not implemented with care, they could lead to reductions in critical services for vulnerable populations. The bill also entails the repeal of certain existing statutes, leading to debates over whether such changes will benefit the overall administrative efficiency or disrupt the current support systems in place for children and families.

Companion Bills

IA HF386

Similar To A bill for an act relating to bodies of the state governmental structure under the purview of the department of health and human services.(See HF 566.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF386

A bill for an act relating to bodies of the state governmental structure under the purview of the department of health and human services.(See HF 566.)

IA HF1028

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the department of management, making appropriations, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 756, HSB 72.)

IA HF776

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing. (Formerly HSB 176.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HSB176

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing.(See HF 776.)

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 SF214

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing.(Formerly SSB 1032.)

IA HF756

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the department of management, making appropriations, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 72; See HF 1028.)

IA HSB35

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the credit union division of the department of commerce.(See HF 131.)

IA HF131

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the credit union division of the department of commerce. (Formerly HSB 35.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF2450

A bill for an act relating to economic development and energy shortages under the purview of the economic development authority and governor, and providing penalties.(Formerly HSB 622.)

Similar Bills

IA HF386

A bill for an act relating to bodies of the state governmental structure under the purview of the department of health and human services.(See HF 566.)

KY SB178

AN ACT relating to health and welfare and declaring an emergency.

KY SB43

AN ACT relating to legislative oversight of health, welfare, and family services issues.

NJ S3864

Establishes "New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center Act," and appropriates $2,220,000.

IA SF2385

A bill for an act relating to boards, commissions, committees, councils, and other entities of state government, and including effective date and transition provisions. (Formerly SSB 3172.) Effective date: 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025.

KY HB387

AN ACT relating to reorganization.

CA AB563

Childcare: Early Childhood Policy Council.

NH SB175

Relative to Medicaid coverage for mothers.