Iowa

Status of Reform Effort: On May 13, 2008, Governor Culver signed comprehensive health reform legislation.

In January 2008, a legislative commission issued a report that provides recommendations for how to reach universal health care coverage.  On May 13, 2008, Governor Chet Culver signed HF 2539, which calls for comprehensive health care reform.  The legislation lays out a plan for covering every uninsured child in the state by 2011.  It also sets the goal of universal health care coverage for all Iowa residents by 2013.  The legislation includes the following components:

• Expands Hawk-i (SCHIP) eligibility to 300 percent of the federal poverty level, to be implemented in July 2009.  Iowa is waiting to see whether the expansion will be funded using federal dollars, but they are prepared to do the expansion with state-only funds if necessary.
• Mandates that an advisory council develop a plan to insure all children who are not eligible for public assistance.
• Creates two task forces to develop recommendations for how to provide affordable health care options for adults.  The legislation creates a health care cost-sharing cap of 6.5 percent of family income.  The recommendations must be made by December 15, 2008. 
• Prevents private insurers from discriminating against individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
• Extends the age that dependents can be covered under their parent’s health insurance plan to 25.

The legislation also improves the electronic health information technology system, promotes medical homes, focuses on prevention, wellness, and chronic care management, and seeks to improve the quality of health care services.*

*Legislative Commission on Affordable Health Care for Small Businesses and Families.  For the report of recommendations see: http://www.legis.state.ia.us/lsadocs/IntReport/2008/IPPAF000.PDF.  H.F. 2539.  2008 Legislative Session (Iowa, 2008).  For bill text see: http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=BillInfo&Service=Billbook&ga=82&menu=text&hbill=HF2539.

Updated as of 6/2/08