HF 2635 sets new rules for health insurance companies and claim review organizations (utilization review organizations) in Iowa, directly affecting health care providers and patients. It prohibits using artificial intelligence as the sole method to deny, delay, or downgrade prior authorizations for medically necessary services, requiring instead a qualified physician review. The bill also establishes strict timelines for audits (45 days to complete after receiving documents) and appeals (30 days for a final decision), with penalties including 10% interest for violations. These changes apply to most health insurance plans in Iowa starting January 1, 2027, but exclude certain coverages like dental, Medicare supplements, and short-term policies.
This bill requires medical examiners in Iowa to add specific questions about an infant's most recent immunizations to death investigation reports for children aged zero to three. It mandates including the date and type of the decedent's last immunization, and if multiple shots were given at once, all must be recorded. The state medical examiner must create implementing rules to follow these requirements. This change directly affects medical examiners and health investigators handling infant death cases in Iowa.
HF 2006 allows employees and elected officials working for local governments (like counties, cities, school districts, or community colleges) who participate in the Iowa public employees’ retirement system to join the state’s health insurance program. These nonstate public employees would pay the same premiums as state employees, with their employers able to require workers to contribute a portion of costs (subject to union contracts). Employers must pay monthly premiums and administrative fees into a new trust fund, and failure to pay could trigger interest charges or withholding of state funds. The bill requires annual reporting to the legislature on enrollment, costs, and program impacts, effective July 1, 2027.
This bill proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Iowa's Constitution recognizing reproductive freedom as a fundamental right. It would protect services including contraception, abortion, prenatal care, and miscarriage management, stating the state cannot interfere with these private decisions unless a "compelling state interest" is met using the "least restrictive means." The amendment allows state regulation of abortion after fetal viability but prohibits banning abortions medically necessary to protect a patient's life or health. This would apply to all Iowa residents seeking reproductive care and requires voter approval after legislative passage.
SF 2047 requires most health insurance plans in Iowa to cap out-of-pocket costs for covered insulin prescriptions at $25 per prescription for a 31-day supply. This applies to four specific insulin types: rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting. The law affects insured individuals with diabetes who use covered insulin drugs under qualifying health plans, effective January 1, 2027. It does not apply to certain specialized coverage like Medicare supplements or short-term medical plans.
This bill (5557XD) creates Iowa's Early Childhood and Family Services (ECFS) system under the Department of Health and Human Services. It establishes ECFS districts (matching existing health and human services districts) to deliver evidence-based preventive services, early intervention, and ongoing family support for children under 19 (with emphasis on those under six) and their families. Key mechanisms include requiring district-specific plans, creating advisory councils, mandating collaboration with stakeholders like educators and health providers, and setting up a dedicated fund to coordinate early care, education, and health services. The system aims to strengthen families, prevent child abuse/neglect, and address root causes like poverty through locally tailored, strength-based programs.
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This bill requires Iowa public schools serving grades 7-12 to include suicide prevention resources on their websites, specifically the contact information and internet address for "Your Life Iowa" or its successor program. Schools issuing student ID cards to grades 5-12 must also display crisis hotline numbers and the program's website on the cards. The law directly affects public schools in those grade levels by mandating the inclusion of these resources as accessible tools for students. It does not create new programs but ensures existing suicide prevention resources are visibly available through school communication channels.
This bill requires Iowa hospitals, critical access hospitals, and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies by January 1, 2027, ensuring surgical smoke is eliminated during procedures using energy-based devices (like lasers or electrosurgery). It mandates the use of smoke evacuation systems - such as smoke evacuators or local exhaust ventilators - to capture and filter surgical smoke at its source, preventing exposure to medical staff and patients. The bill defines key terms including "surgical smoke" (by-products from energy devices) and "smoke evacuation system" for clarity. It directs the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing to establish these requirements through rules.
HF 2126 extends the time limit for filing dental malpractice lawsuits in Iowa from two years to five years. Patients can now file claims within five years of knowing (or reasonably knowing) about the injury, but no later than six years after the dental incident occurred. The bill applies to claims against dentists, dental surgeons, dental hygienists, and dental assistants for injuries arising on or after July 1, 2026. This change specifically affects dental malpractice cases, while leaving the existing two-year limit for non-dental medical malpractice unchanged.
SF 2009 affects nonsupervisory Iowa Department of Corrections employees with ongoing direct contact with inmates. It designates these workers as "public safety employees" for collective bargaining under state law, requiring the state to cover full health insurance costs for surviving spouses and children. The bill mandates new training in de-escalation techniques, uniform safety practices at correctional facilities, and paid leave (5-90 days) for employees experiencing trauma or hostage situations. It also prohibits the department from offering contractors better pay or benefits than comparable state employees performing similar work.
