Expanding accessible, affordable health care

The Iowa Senate on Monday voted for the next step to continue Iowa’s leadership in state efforts to make health care more affordable and accessible to Iowans.  The Iowa Legislature’s 2010 Health Care Reform Bill makes immediate improvements and sets the groundwork for how potential federal health care funding may be used to benefit Iowans.

Senate File 2356 , which was approved by a bipartisan vote of 45 to 5, is based on recommendations approved unanimously by the bipartisan Legislative Health Care Coverage Commission.  This commission included Democratic and Republican legislators as well as representatives of insurers, health care providers and consumers.

The legislation was supported by the Iowa Medical Society, the Iowa Hospital Association, AARP, the American Cancer Society, the Iowa Children and Family Policy Center, organized labor, and the Visiting Nurses Association.

“In Iowa, tens of thousands of children and families have already benefited because we have expanded coverage and increased affordability.  Improving access to affordable health care makes our state a better place to live and a more attractive place to do business,” said State Senator Jack Hatch of Des Moines.  “With this legislation, the Legislature will continue to reduce costs, protect and expand patient choice, and work toward assuring quality affordable health care for all Iowans.”

The legislation’s main components include:

Regional Provider Network: Allows Iowans in need to receive primary care closer to home under the existing IowaCare health plan. 

Iowa Choice Exchange: The new Iowa Choice Exchange is an information clearinghouse that makes it easier for individuals and small business employees to compare insurance plans using transparent, standardized information that includes data on quality.

Helping Rural Hospitals: When the Iowa Cares program is expanded, rural hospitals will finally be reimbursed for emergency services and other care which is currently uncompensated.  This will protect health care facilities and jobs in Iowa’s rural communities.