Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF509

Introduced
2/20/25  
Engrossed
3/20/25  

Caption

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.)

Impact

A significant aspect of HF509 is the scheduled repeal of the autism support program on July 1, 2027. This indicates a shift in how the state may manage and finance autism-related services in the future. By transitioning support to the Hawki program, the bill aims to incorporate ABA services into a broader health coverage framework, albeit raising concerns about the adequacy of coverage and service availability once the separate program is phased out. The eventual transfer of any remaining funds from the autism support fund to the Hawki trust fund further signals this recalibration of resources.

Summary

House File 509 addresses coverage under the Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (Hawki) program specifically for applied behavior analysis services related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The bill amends existing regulations to stipulate that no new applications for the autism support program will be approved after July 1, 2025. However, individuals already on the program as of that date will continue to receive benefits provided they maintain their eligibility. This ensures that current recipients are not abruptly cut off from essential support services needed for autism treatment.

Contention

Discussions around HF509 may highlight notable points of contention. Advocates for individuals with autism may express concern regarding the potential for reduced funding and services available under the Hawki program compared to the autism support program. There may also be apprehension about the long-term sustainability of service provision and the adequacy of benefits as the bill moves towards limiting new enrollments. Stakeholders in the community are likely to debate whether the transition offers a net benefit or represents a dilution of service quality and funding focused on autism treatment.

Companion Bills

IA HSB122

Related 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.)

Previously Filed As

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 HSB74

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

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 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 SF2420

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 SF 2354, SSB 3146.)

IA SF2354

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 SSB 3146; See SF 2420.)

IA SF2159

A bill for an act relating to insurance coverage for biomarker testing.(Formerly SSB 3001.)

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 HF50

A bill for an act relating to insurance coverage for the treatment of eating disorders.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.