Governor Kim Reynolds recently signed the Patients First Act in Iowa, allowing doctors to screen for cancer without waiting for insurance approval. This change comes as Iowa faces one of the highest cancer rates in the U.S. However, the new law won’t benefit everyone—only about one in four Iowans will see its advantages.
Many Iowans enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare, or employer-sponsored insurance won’t be eligible for these new benefits. The Iowa Insurance Division clarified that the law mainly affects those with fully insured individual or small-group plans and self-insured public employees.
“In total, that’s around 829,000 people, a bit over 25% of Iowa’s population,” explained Julie Watts from the Iowa Insurance Division. For those who qualify, doctors can now order cancer screenings without prior insurance authorization, ensuring that payment cannot be denied as long as the screening is covered under the patient’s plan or deemed medically necessary.
Dr. Dustin Arnold, Chief Medical Officer at UnityPoint St. Luke’s Hospital, emphasized the bill’s importance. He noted that promptly knowing a cancer diagnosis can reduce anxiety and aid in treatment decisions. “Waiting for answers can be torturous,” he said.
While this is a positive step, many are advocating for broader access. To extend these benefits to those on Medicaid or Medicare, federal action is needed. “This is a small step forward for some Iowans,” Watts admitted.
Insurance companies must adapt to these new rules or face penalties such as fines or even loss of license, which adds another layer of accountability.
For Iowans unsure about their coverage, the Iowa Insurance Division offers assistance at 515-654-6600. The law will take effect on July 1.
According to a recent survey by the American Cancer Society, timely screenings significantly improve survival rates. This new law aims to bridge that gap for a select group of Iowans. As the health landscape evolves, the hope is that more residents will gain access to vital health services.
For more information regarding the law, visit the Iowa Legislature.
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