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Iowa Bill Combines SNAP Changes with Ivermectin Sales

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 16:16 GMT by The Gazette
      Locales: Iowa, UNITED STATES

Des Moines, Iowa - February 14th, 2026 - A controversial bill, HF2402, continued its progress through the Iowa legislature on Wednesday, passing through the House Human Resources Committee by a vote of 12-6. The bill bundles changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility with a provision allowing the over-the-counter sale of ivermectin, a drug primarily used for livestock deworming. The combination has sparked a heated debate, pitting proponents who argue for increased program accountability against opponents who raise serious public health concerns.

The core of HF2402 focuses on reforming Iowa's SNAP program, often referred to as food stamps. The bill proposes raising income limits for eligibility, seemingly broadening access on the surface. However, this is coupled with the implementation of stricter work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents. While supporters, led by Representative Charlie Davidson (D-Mount Pleasant), emphasize the need to ensure accountability within the program and incentivize employment, critics argue these requirements will create additional hurdles for vulnerable populations and could significantly reduce the number of Iowans receiving vital food assistance.

Early projections suggest the changes to SNAP eligibility could impact thousands of Iowa families. Advocates for low-income individuals express concern that the increased income thresholds, while appearing generous, are offset by the often-unrealistic expectations of consistent employment for individuals facing barriers such as lack of transportation, childcare costs, or health issues. They point to the potential for a rise in food insecurity, particularly in rural areas with limited job opportunities.

However, the most contentious aspect of HF2402 remains the provision allowing the sale of ivermectin without a prescription. This has ignited a firestorm of criticism from the medical community. Ivermectin, while approved for use in animals, has not been proven safe or effective in preventing or treating COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has repeatedly warned against its use for unapproved purposes, citing potential side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even neurological problems.

Iowa's medical examiner's office has already reported a concerning trend: a documented increase in ivermectin-related incidents over the past two years. These incidents have ranged from mild adverse reactions requiring medical attention to severe cases of hospitalization and, in a small number of instances, overdose. Medical professionals fear that easier access to the drug will exacerbate this problem.

Dr. Emily Carter, President of the Iowa Medical Association, issued a statement yesterday vehemently opposing the bill. "Allowing over-the-counter sales of ivermectin sends a dangerous message to the public. It legitimizes a treatment that has been repeatedly debunked by the scientific community and places Iowans at unnecessary risk," she stated. "We've seen the consequences of misinformation and the dangerous pursuit of unproven remedies during the pandemic, and this bill only serves to fuel that problem."

Supporters of the ivermectin provision argue that individuals should have the right to access treatments they believe will benefit them, even if those treatments aren't universally accepted by the medical establishment. Some echo claims popularized during the pandemic regarding the drug's alleged effectiveness, despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary. They frame the issue as one of personal freedom and medical autonomy.

The bill's path forward is now to the House Appropriations Committee. If approved there, it will face a full House vote, and potentially a similar process in the Senate. Observers anticipate a vigorous debate on the Senate floor, with Democratic senators expected to offer amendments aimed at removing the ivermectin provision and softening the SNAP work requirements.

The confluence of these two seemingly disparate issues within a single bill has created a complex legislative challenge. The debate highlights the broader tensions between individual liberties, public health concerns, and the role of government in regulating access to medical treatments and social safety net programs. The outcome of HF2402 will undoubtedly have significant implications for thousands of Iowans, and potentially set a precedent for other states considering similar legislation.