2024 Session: Week 11

Key Happening this Week at the Statehouse

Now that session is past the second funnel hurdle, floor debate in both chambers picked up – with the Senate resuming floor debate (paused since March 5) and moving over 30 bills this week.

A significant focus of legislature this week centered upon the latest efforts to find agreement on the Area Education Agencies (AEA), with the House debating late into the evening Thursday night to pass HF 2612. The issues of AEA services and proposed redesign have been hotly contested throughout session and this week’s action continued that trend – as evident in the 51-43 House vote. The bill will now move over to the Senate for final consideration.

The week after second funnel also signifies the legitimate start of the budgeting and fiscal process. Last Friday, the Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) met. The REC is charged with giving the legislature the budget outlook and projections to begin planning for the next year fiscal year (FY). This group meets three times a year. In their latest estimates shared in this meeting, the REC adjusted their estimates to include the recent tax cut legislation proposed. With this new information, the REC forecasts a slight reduction in FY24 revenues, down 2.2% at $9.63 billion, from previous estimates calculated in December 2023. (Current FY25 revenue estimates are project to come in higher at $9.7 billion.) Despite the slight reduction in FY24 projected revenue, the REC proclaimed Iowa’s economy remains strong.

With the shift to the budgeting season of session, IMS’ advocacy efforts will now sharpen on the fiscal needs to support Iowa’s physician workforce – specifically seeking increased funding for the Iowa Rural Primary Care Loan Repayment Program and refreshing conversations around creating similar programing designed for key specialty shortages to ensure Iowans have access to the full scope of care they need and deserve.

With five weeks left of scheduled session, there is still plenty of time for excitement in the ride that is the legislative process!

Week 11 Status Updates for Key Healthcare Bills

Bill Number	Bill Title	Position	Status
HF 2488	Relating to prior authorization and exemptions by health benefit plans and utilization review organizations (“Gold carding” pilot program)	For	No movement this week
SF 506	Relating to health facilities and health services, including licensing and the certificate of need process (Increased spending thresholds and elimination of CON for community mental health & birthing centers)	Undecided	Proposed amendments filed; eligible for House debate
SF 477	Licensure of internationally trained physicians (Provides streamlined provisional license)	For	Passed the House 96-0; moves to the Senate for final approval
HF 2565	Relating to provision of Medicaid coverage and services to certain inmates under the Medicaid program. (1115 waiver)	For	No movement this week
HF 2492	Insurance coverage for biomarker testing (includes Medicaid and HAWK-I)	Undecided	Passed the House Aprops. Committee, now eligible for House debate;
SF 2251/ HF 2583	Eligibility for pregnant women and infants under the Medicaid program (Extension of coverage 12 months postpartum)	For	No movement this week; awaiting a third/updated fiscal note from federal partners
HF 2509/ SF 2354	Relating to the transition of behavioral health services from mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system (Behavioral health system redesign)	Undecided	HF 2509 passed by House Approps Committee; now eligible for House debate;

Federal Advocacy News: Short-Term, Partial Medicare Fee Cut Remedy

Advocacy efforts to remedy the 3.37% cut to Medicare Physician Payment Schedule were met with some success, securing an additional 1.68 percent update to the 2024 conversion factor through the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act, offsetting the 3.37% PFS cut that went into effect January 1.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated its website to reflect the new Medicare Physician Payment Schedule conversion factor. The new conversion factor of $33.2875 is effective for services from March 9 through December 31 of this year. CMS is also releasing updated payment files, including the MPFS and associated abstract files, the Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) FS, and Anesthesia file. Watch for additional information to come.

Thank you to all members of the Iowa Congressional Delegation for their support in the passage of the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act with this important amendment.

Policy Forum: Testimony Forum Deadline Extended to April 5

The deadline for providing Testimony to IMS Policy Forum 24-1 is being extended until Friday, April 5. During this time, members are encouraged to provide comments on the policy request statements (PRSs) submitted during the Call to Action period. All PRSs are now available through the new membership "Info Hub" on the IMS website.

To provide feedback:

Navigate to the new IMS Info Hub log-in page
Select "Forgot your Username or Password"
Reset your username or password via the link emailed to you
Log in to the Info Hub
Locate "Forum" on the left side-bar
Select the PRS that you would like to comment on

Issues? Contact: Heather Lee

Provide Testimony

Advocacy Action of the Week

Check out the legislative forums being held by legislators across the state! These local, public meetings are a great chance to connect with your legislator outside of the Statehouse – these in-person connections are what solidify relationships – and influence! - beyond the email or the single day interactions at Physician Day on the Hill.

There are five public events happening just next week – including US Senator Charles Grassley making stops across NE Iowa: Montezuma, Van Horne, and Manchester.

Learn More

Contact your Advocacy team: