Governor Vilsack has signed a “patient protection” bill into law. Themeasure takes several steps to help patients battle their H-M-O or insurancecompany over “medically-necessary” treatment. A state review board isestablished to evaluate patients’ complaints when they are denied insurancecoverage for treatment. It also prohibits insurance company “gag rules”which prevent doctors from discussing all treatment options with theirpatients. Tom and Robin Steinkamp of Des Moines were on hand to tell of theirnearly year-long fight for their little girl, Taylor.Under the new law, an independent review board will more quickly handlecomplaints such as the Steinkamp’s.
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