HF 509 (LSB 1843HV (3) 91)

HOUSE FILE 509

BY  COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

(SUCCESSOR TO HSB 122)

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.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 225D.2, Code 2025, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  4A.  The department shall not approve a new application for the autism support program on or after July 1, 2025. The department shall continue to provide treatment and make payments pursuant to the program for an eligible individual whose application is approved on or before June 30, 2025, if the individual remains eligible for the program.
    Sec. 2.  NEW SECTION.  225D.3  Future repeal.
   This chapter is repealed July 1, 2027.
    Sec. 3.  Section 514I.5, subsection 4, paragraph c, Code 2025, is amended by adding the following new subparagraph:
   NEW SUBPARAGRAPH.  (18)  Applied behavior analysis services for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder.
    Sec. 4.  TRANSFER OF MONEYS.  Upon repeal of chapter 225D on July 1, 2027, any unencumbered and unobligated moneys remaining in the autism support fund created in section 225D.2, are transferred to the Hawki trust fund created in section 514I.11.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to the healthy and well kids in Iowa program (Hawki) coverage for applied behavior analysis services for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder, and the autism support fund.
   The bill prohibits the department of health and human services (HHS) from approving new applications for the autism support program (program) on or after July 1, 2025. HHS shall continue to provide treatment and make payments pursuant to the program for an individual whose application is approved on or before June 30, 2025, if the individual remains eligible for the program.
   The bill repeals the program July 1, 2027.
   The bill requires the medical assistance advisory council to adopt rules to include applied behavior analysis services for the treatment of autism as benefits covered in a qualified child health plan included in a benchmark or benchmark equivalent plan and which comply with Tit. XXI of the federal Social Security Act.
   The bill requires, upon the repeal of Code chapter 225D on July 1, 2027, any unencumbered and unobligated moneys remaining in the autism support fund be transferred to the Hawki trust fund.