DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Senate Republican majority pushed through a bill that would add minimum work requirements for Iowans who are receiving healthcare benefits and help from public assistance programs.

The bill advanced by a vote of 33-15, stating that people must work for 80 hours each month to continue receiving health coverage. The Iowa Health and Wellness plan is the expanded Medicaid coverage for Iowans with incomes near the poverty level, giving them low or no cost benefits.

The Legislative Services Agency projects that around 32,000 Iowans will lose coverage in the wellness plan due to the lack of ability to work. Republican Senators argued that the bill would help turn people’s lives in the right direction instead of relying on government benefits.

“This bill ensures that individuals receiving Medicaid expansion benefits are given the opportunity to experience this dignity. By requiring work we are providing an important stepping stone to help Iowans develop life skills, build responsibility and regain a sense of purpose,” said State Senator Mike Klimesh, (R) District 32 from Spillville.

Senate Democrats argued that this will gut those who rely on these benefits and will slow down early screening and prevention opportunities for low income Iowans on the program. One argued that this bill is one step to repeal Medicaid by the majority party.

“This is a Medicaid repeal bill in sheep’s clothing,” said State Senator Janet Peterson (D), District 18 from Des Moines. “This bill requires the department to discontinue the Iowa Health and Wellness plan. Kicking all 181,000 Iowans off of their healthcare insurance.”

The bill requires the state department of health and human services to request federal approval necessary to include work requirements as a condition of a member maintaining eligibility. It also states that if federal law or regulations affecting work requirements for the wellness plan are modified to exclude work requirements for the basis of maintaining eligibility, the department shall discontinue the Iowa Health and Wellness plan. There is a list of people who are exempt from having these work requirements imposed on them, as stated in the bill.

The policy now heads over to the Iowa House where a bill already exists with similar parameters.

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