Commerce Committee – Week 21, 2020

COMMITTEE ACTION:

HF 2138 – Insurance coverage of insulin

HF2138 by the House Human Resources Committee limits the amount that can be charged to a patient receiving insulin to $100 per individual prescription per 31-day supply of insulin covered by their health insurance plan. It covers rapid-, fast-, intermediate- and long-acting types of prescribed insulin. It delineates specialized health-related insurance (e.g. short-term hospital, Medicare supplement) not subject to the cap. It applies to third-party payment provider contracts, policies or plans delivered, issued, continued or renewed on or after January 1, 2021. It passed the House 98-1.
[6/5: short form]

HF 2442 – Feasibility study on Internet exchange points

HF 2442 requires the Office of the Chief Information Officer and the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission to jointly conduct a feasibility study for constructing and installing an Internet exchange point (IXP) in Iowa. Currently, all Internet traffic must leave the state and go through Chicago, Denver or Dallas before coming back to Iowa. A physical IXP in Iowa would allow Internet infrastructure companies, such as providers, to connect with each more efficiently, enhancing speeds. The report must be submitted to the Legislature by December 15, 2020. It passed the House 95-0.
[6/5: short form]

HF 2520 – Broadband certification program

HF2520 streamlines state regulations by encouraging communities to be certified “Broadband Forward” as designated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). A similar designation, “Telecommuter Forward,” will also be offered. IEDA will establish criteria for the programs. HF 2520 also strengthens the state’s “dig once” policy by requiring the inclusion of broadband conduit in the right-of-way during road construction projects. It passed the House 95-0.
[6/5: short form]