A bill passed in the Iowa Senate would require a portion of the state's Medicaid recipients to work or volunteer at least 20 hours a week to keep government benefits. Senator Jason Schultz, a Republican from Schleswig, said it fits with President Trump's "Make America Great Again" motto. "Part of … [Read more...]
Bill keeps pre-existing condition coverage on Iowa-regulated policies
If the U.S. Supreme Court rules the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional, a bill that's emerged in the Iowa Senate would keep a popular part of the law in force for some Iowans. Senator Brad Zaun, a Republican from Urbandale, is the bill's sponsor. "The pre-existing conditions that was part of … [Read more...]
Auditor decries ‘bad data’ on Iowa Medicaid home health care
State Auditor Rob Sand has released an audit of the data surrounding home health care services provided to Iowa Medicaid recipients. During a news conference in his statehouse office, Sand said the review that stretches back to May of 2018 repeatedly found "incomplete and incorrect" … [Read more...]
Iowa sees increase in uninsured kids, but still low among states
Iowa is seeing a slight upturn in the number of uninsured children but the Hawkeye State still has one of the lowest rates in the country. Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, says there are many reasons more children are falling into the … [Read more...]
Sanders emphasizes cost of private insurance for older Americans
Vermont Senator and presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders says private insurance is causing anxiety, stress and even premature deaths as older Americans delay or defer medical care due to the costs. "I get a little bit tired...the opponents of Medicare for All forget to tell us how we're paying for … [Read more...]
Biden denounces what he calls ‘my way or the highway’ attitude on Medicare for All
Former Vice President Joe Biden has unveiled a plan to provide additional government support veterans and their families. Speaking at a town hall in Oskaloosa on this Veterans Day, the democratic presidential candidate said he wants to keep the VA as the primary outlet for veterans to get their … [Read more...]
Open enrollment begins for ACA plans
Today is the first day of open enrollment for the 39,000 Iowans who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Plans are being offered through Medica and Wellmark. Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen recommends those on ACA plans review their household income to make sure they still … [Read more...]
Deer top animal hit by Iowa drivers, followed by farm animals
With the cool, crisp weather of October comes the increased risk of hitting an animal with your car. Iowa drivers rank fifth in the U.S. for the most animal collisions, according to the state's largest auto insurer. Kelly Pargett, a spokeswoman for State Farm, says the company's study finds 58% … [Read more...]
Sanders emphasizing ‘Medicare for All’ on Iowa bus tour
As new polling data in Iowa suggests Democrats are conflicted about having their 2020 presidential nominee run on a "Medicare for All" platform, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is putting the issue front-and-center as he campaigns in northern Iowa. "We are spending twice as much per person on … [Read more...]
Axne legislation addresses ‘surprise’ medical bill charges
Iowa Congresswoman Cindy Axne is sponsoring legislation to address some of the unwelcome surprises on medical bills. "The Update Act will require insurance companies to regularly update their directories to prevent patients from unknowingly receiving out-of-network care," Axne says. The bill … [Read more...]