HF 2585 requires Iowa pharmacies to provide accessible prescription information - including drug labels, bag tags, and medical guides - in formats like audio or large print at no extra cost to people who are blind, visually impaired, or have print disabilities. Pharmacies must offer this by January 1, 2027, or refer customers to pharmacies that do, ensuring information is accessible in a timely manner comparable to sighted customers. Each year by April 1, the state pharmacy board must publish an online list of participating pharmacies. The law excludes institutional pharmacies (e.g., in hospitals), donation program pharmacies, and correctional facility pharmacies from these requirements.
This bill (HSB 695) allows Iowa pharmacists to dispense FDA-approved self-administered hormonal contraceptives (like pills, rings, or patches) to patients aged 18+ without a doctor’s prescription, under a standing order from the Department of Health. Pharmacists must complete training, conduct health screenings (blood pressure, risk assessment), and provide patient education on use, side effects, and follow-up care. It requires pharmacists to limit initial supplies to three months (up to twelve months after), refer patients needing medical care, and maintain records. The bill also mandates insurance coverage for these contraceptives without exclusion, aligning with FDA-approved methods and excluding abortion-inducing drugs.
This bill (SF 2322) requires most health insurance plans in Iowa to cap out-of-pocket costs for prescription insulin at $35 per prescription for up to a 31-day supply. It directly affects diabetes patients covered by health insurance plans that include prescription drug coverage, limiting their cost-sharing for four types of insulin: rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting. The cap applies to any covered insulin prescribed as medically necessary by a healthcare provider, though insurers may choose to set lower cost-sharing amounts. The rule takes effect for plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, and excludes certain specialized insurance types like Medicare supplements.
SF 2312 clarifies Iowa's rules for manufacturers and distributors of 340B drugs, which are medications sold at discounted prices under a federal program. The bill defines key terms like "340B drug" (a federally discounted drug purchased by safety-net health facilities) and prohibits manufacturers or distributors from interfering with a covered entity’s acquisition of these drugs or their delivery to contract pharmacies. This directly affects drug manufacturers and wholesale distributors operating in Iowa, requiring them to allow normal access to 340B drugs unless federal health officials prohibit it. The law aims to ensure consistent access to discounted medications for clinics and hospitals serving low-income patients.
HF 2258 requires most health insurance plans in Iowa to cover infertility diagnosis, treatment, and fertility preservation services (like egg freezing before cancer treatment). It mandates coverage for up to three completed egg retrieval cycles with unlimited embryo transfers (using single embryo transfer when medically appropriate), plus fertility medications on par with other prescription drug coverage. Religious employers may request an exclusion from this coverage if it conflicts with their beliefs, but must notify employees about the exclusion. The law applies to new or renewed health insurance plans issued on or after July 1, 2026, and excludes accident-only, dental, vision, and other specific coverage types.
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.
HF 2033 requires pharmacies in Iowa to provide free accessible prescription information (including labels, bag tags, and medical guides) in formats like braille or audio to people who are blind, visually impaired, or have other print disabilities. Pharmacies must offer this directly or refer patients to an accessible location within a reasonable distance, with information provided in a timely manner comparable to non-disabled patients. Health insurers must reimburse pharmacies through an enhanced dispensing fee, and the pharmacy board must publish an annual list of compliant pharmacies online. The law excludes institutional pharmacies (e.g., hospital pharmacies) and certain correctional or donation-based settings, with rules to be adopted by January 1, 2027, and a progress report due by January 2028.
HF 2009 defines key terms related to 340B drugs (prescription drugs sold at reduced prices under federal law) and prohibits drug manufacturers or distributors from interfering with covered entities (like hospitals or clinics) acquiring these drugs or delivering them to contract pharmacies. It specifically bans manufacturers or distributors from denying, restricting, or hindering this process unless federal health authorities have already prohibited it. The bill directly affects healthcare providers using 340B pricing and the pharmacies that serve them. It ensures that state-level rules align with federal 340B program requirements by preventing unnecessary barriers to accessing these discounted drugs.
HF 2205 prohibits state licensing boards and employers from restricting pharmacists or practitioners (like doctors, nurses, or dentists) from using their professional judgment to prescribe, order, dispense, or administer medications within their legally defined scope of practice. It specifically bans any rule, policy, or contract term that discourages using a medication or treatment based on the professional's best judgment. Employers cannot enforce such restrictions or use them for disciplinary action, and practitioners following this judgment cannot face license discipline. The bill directly affects healthcare providers by protecting their clinical decision-making autonomy from workplace barriers.
SF 383 requires pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) to disclose drug pricing details and standardized fee structures to pharmacies and insurers. It limits certain PBM practices that affect prescription drug costs and establishes transparency rules for pharmacy services administrative organizations. The law directly affects PBMs, pharmacies, and insurance companies managing prescription drug benefits. Signed into law by the Governor on June 6, 2025, it aims to increase transparency in drug pricing and pharmacy billing.
