summary
Introduced
01/22/2025
01/22/2025
In Committee
01/22/2025
01/22/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to insurance coverage for acupuncture. “Acupuncture” is defined in the bill as a form of health care developed from traditional and modern oriental medical concepts that employs oriental medical diagnosis and treatment, and adjunctive therapies and diagnostic techniques, for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health and the prevention of disease. The bill requires a policy, contract, or plan providing for third-party payment or prepayment of health or medical expenses to offer coverage for acupuncture performed by an acupuncturist. “Acupuncturist” is defined as a person who is engaged in the practice of acupuncture and who is licensed pursuant to Code section 148E.2. “Practice of acupuncture” is also defined in the bill. Coverage required under the bill shall not be less favorable than coverage a health carrier offers for general physical illness. Cost-sharing requirements imposed for coverage required under the bill shall not be less favorable than cost-sharing requirements imposed by a health carrier for general physical illness. “Cost-sharing” is defined in the bill. The bill applies to third-party payment providers enumerated in the bill. The bill specifies the types of specialized health-related insurance which are not subject to the bill. The commissioner of insurance may adopt rules to administer the bill. The bill applies to third-party payment provider contracts, policies, or plans delivered, issued for delivery, continued, or renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2026. The bill makes conforming changes to Code section 148E.9.
AI Summary
This bill requires health insurance carriers in Iowa to provide coverage for acupuncture services performed by licensed acupuncturists, beginning January 1, 2026. The bill defines key terms such as "acupuncture" as a form of health care developed from traditional and modern oriental medical concepts aimed at promoting and maintaining health, and "acupuncturist" as a licensed professional practicing acupuncture. Specifically, health carriers offering individual, group, or small group insurance contracts must provide acupuncture coverage that is at least as comprehensive and affordable as their coverage for general physical illness, meaning the cost-sharing requirements (such as copayments, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses) cannot be more restrictive for acupuncture services than for other medical treatments. The bill applies to various types of health insurance plans, including individual and group accident and sickness insurance, hospital and medical service contracts, and health maintenance organization contracts, but explicitly excludes specialized insurance types like dental, vision, and workers' compensation coverage. The insurance commissioner is authorized to create rules to implement these requirements, and the bill makes conforming changes to existing state law to ensure the new acupuncture coverage mandate is integrated into the state's insurance regulations.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Subcommittee: Driscoll, Dickey, and Trone Garriott. S.J. 136. (on 01/23/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF87 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF87.html |
Loading...