SF 400 reclassifies misoprostol, mifepristone, and methotrexate as Schedule III controlled substances in Iowa. This means anyone who manufactures, distributes, or dispenses these medications would face a class C felony charge, with fines between $1,000 and $50,000. The bill directly affects healthcare providers who prescribe or dispense these specific medications, which are commonly used for medical abortions and other treatments. The policy change would significantly restrict access to these drugs by imposing criminal penalties on their distribution. The bill is currently in the Judiciary committee subcommittee for review.
SF 417 requires both Medicaid and most private health insurance plans to cover annual low-dose CT lung cancer screenings for at-risk individuals aged 50 or older. It defines "at-risk" as people with a history of regular smoking or secondhand smoke exposure, a family member diagnosed with lung cancer, or occupational exposure to certain carcinogens like asbestos or radon. The bill mandates that insurers cannot impose copays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs for these screenings and requires Medicaid to provide coverage once a federal waiver is approved. This applies to most health insurance plans but excludes specialized coverages like accident-only or dental insurance.
This Iowa bill (HF 590) prohibits drug manufacturers and distributors from interfering with safety-net hospitals, clinics, and other covered entities acquiring or receiving 340B discounted drugs. It specifically bans manufacturers or distributors from denying, restricting, or hindering these transactions - except when federal health officials prohibit them. The law defines key terms like "340B drug," "distributor," and "manufacturer" based on federal Social Security Act standards. It directly affects drug companies and wholesalers operating in Iowa by requiring compliance with federal 340B program rules. The bill was introduced in February 2025 and remains pending.
HF 409 prohibits hospitals and health care licensing boards in Iowa from asking applicants about past mental illness, substance use disorders, or other behavioral health diagnoses on clinical privilege or license applications. It allows questions only about current, untreated conditions that could impair safe, professional practice. The bill directly affects health care professionals applying for hospital clinical privileges or state licenses. It requires the state department to create rules enforcing these changes, focusing on current safety concerns rather than historical health conditions. The bill is currently under review by the House Health and Human Services subcommittee.
HF 606 requires health insurance plans (including individual/group accident/sickness, hospital/medical, HMOs, and public employee plans) to provide a special enrollment period for pregnant women. This allows pregnant women to enroll in coverage at any time after a healthcare professional certifies their pregnancy, without fees or penalties. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month when pregnancy is certified (or the next month if chosen by the woman). The bill applies to most health insurance policies delivered or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, but excludes accident-only, Medicare supplement, dental, vision, and similar coverage types.
HF 605 allows pharmacists in Iowa to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives (like pills, rings, or patches approved by the FDA) without a new prescription, using a standing order from the health department. Pharmacists must complete specific training, conduct a patient risk assessment, provide counseling on use/side effects, and refer patients if unsafe, while dispensing up to a 12-month supply at once. The bill also requires health insurance plans to cover these contraceptives without excluding them, similar to other outpatient prescription drugs. It explicitly excludes abortion-inducing drugs and mandates patient education on backup contraception and STI prevention.
HF 607 increases Iowa's Medicaid eligibility income threshold for pregnant women and infants from 215% to 375% of the federal poverty level. It directly affects low-income pregnant individuals and infants whose families earn up to 375% of the federal poverty level, expanding access to coverage. The bill requires Iowa's Department of Health and Human Services to submit state plan amendments to the federal government by January 2026, enabling 12 months of continuous postpartum Medicaid coverage for eligible pregnant women and updating infant eligibility rules. This change aligns with federal provisions under the American Rescue Plan Act and aims to improve healthcare continuity for this population.
HF 337 requires Iowa's Medicaid dental wellness plan to align reimbursement rates for dental providers with those paid under the Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (Hawki) program. This change aims to increase dental provider participation in Medicaid by ensuring they receive the same payment rates as in the Hawki program. The bill directly affects dental providers who serve Medicaid members and Medicaid beneficiaries seeking dental care. By matching reimbursement rates, the policy seeks to improve access to dental services for Medicaid enrollees without altering eligibility or coverage. The bill is currently under review in the Health and Human Services committee.
HF 500 requires health insurance companies in Iowa to cover maintenance and repairs for complex rehabilitation technology wheelchairs (CRT wheelchairs) starting January 1, 2026. It directly affects patients using CRT wheelchairs (individually configured for medical needs), qualified wheelchair suppliers, and health insurance carriers. The bill mandates that qualified suppliers provide service/repairs and annual preventative maintenance without requiring prior authorization or documentation of ongoing medical necessity from insurers. Suppliers must be accredited, employ certified professionals, and maintain service records that insurers cannot audit. This applies to all health insurance plans covering these devices, ensuring ongoing access to critical mobility support.
SSB 1121 creates an "emeritus license" for physicians and osteopathic physicians aged 60+ who primarily train resident doctors. The license allows them to maintain their full scope of practice without needing continuing education credits, lasts three years (with one renewal), and costs half the standard license fee. It requires board approval and an application, with the Iowa Board of Medicine defining "primarily engaged in supervising and training residents." This bill directly affects senior physicians transitioning to teaching roles, not active clinical practice.
