Policymakers at the statehouse are reviewing different proposals which try to ensure that Iowans have some “patient protections” from H.M.O. abuses. Democrat Governor Tom Vilsack wants a “patients’ bill of rights” to include assurances that rural Iowans in an H-M-O aren’t forced to drive huge distances to a doctor or hospital. But republicans like Brad Hanson, a representative from Hudson, say their bill doesn’t include a guarantee of easy access to health care for rural Iowans. Another hurdle: Vilsack wants insurance companies to publicly disclose the details of all their policies. The republican plan would not force the companies to make that sort of revelation. Senator John Redwine, a republican from Sioux City who is a doctor, says there aren’t that many differences to resolve. The Senate will debate the issue this week.
