Hawkeye Reporter

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in collaboration with the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI), Iowa Bankers Association (IBA), and Iowa Business Council has issued a statement regarding the recent passage of a significant health care mandate by the Iowa Legislature. The organizations expressed concern over the financial impact of the legislation, known as SF 383, which is now awaiting consideration by the Governor.

According to the statement, "At a time when businesses are tightening their belts and working to avoid layoffs, legislation like SF 383 places additional strain on small businesses across the state." The bill is expected to increase costs for Iowans by approximately $340 million annually.

The business community had proposed an amendment to limit a $10.68 dispensing fee exclusively to independent pharmacies generating less than $250 million in annual revenue. This amendment aimed to support small businesses while preventing widespread cost increases for all Iowans. However, this proposal was not accepted by the Legislature.

The statement also highlighted concerns about contrasting approaches at different government levels: "As Congress and the President work to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, the Iowa Legislature has taken a different path and voted to significantly increase costs." They described SF 383 as potentially "the most expensive health care mandate ever passed in Iowa history," indicating that it represents "a step in the wrong direction for Iowans, employers, and the state economy."