Iowa Statutes

This change ensures that autism is covered under federal mental health parity law, expanding coverage for essential care.

Enacted through HF 623

Any policy or contract providing for third-party payment of health or medical expenses shall include a provision to pay for necessary behavioral health services provided by a licensed master social worker, a licensed mental health counselor, and a licensed marital and family therapist. Practice or supervisory restrictions for such professionals cannot be inconsistent with or more restrictive than the authority already granted by law. The act does not require health maintenance organizations or preferred provider organizations to provide payment for services provided by such professionals while they are under the supervision of another professional, unless the supervisor has entered into a contract to do so.

Enacted through SF 2418 (87th General Assembly)

Any policy or contract providing for third-party payment of health or medical expenses shall not discriminate between coverage benefits for health care services that are provided in person and the same health care services that are delivered through telehealth.

Enacted through SF 2305 (87th General Assembly)

Any policy or contract providing for third-party payment of health or medical expenses shall include a provision to pay for necessary behavioral health services provided by a person who holds a provisional license to practice psychology and who practices under the supervision of a qualified supervisor. Practice or supervisory restrictions for such professionals cannot be inconsistent with or more restrictive than the authority already granted by law. The act does not require health maintenance organizations or preferred provider organizations to provide payment for services provided by such professionals while they are under the supervision of another professional, unless the supervisor has entered into a contract to do so.

Enacted the SF 2418 (87th General Assembly)

This is an appropriations bill that changes the section of state law about autism services. It changes the definition of autism provider to include assistant behavior analyst in addition to behavior analyst. It also extends the age from nine to fifteen for eligible individuals who can access autism treatment services through the medical assistants program if their household income does not exceed 400% of the federal poverty line.

Any policy or contract providing for third-party payment of health or medical expenses shall include a provision to provide coverage for covered individuals under twenty-one years of age for the diagnostic assessment of autism spectrum disorders and for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Coverage is required in a maximum benefit amount of not more than $36,000 per year (as adjusted every year), but shall not be subject to any limits on the number of visits to an autism service provider for treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

Enacted through HF 2531 (83rd General Assembly)

This comprehensive bill addressed many issues, and added a section to the state insurance law about behavioral health coverage for military veterans. This section is summarized at the bottom of this page under “Iowa Parity Law.”