REYNOLDS SIGNS HEALTH INSURANCE BILL INTO LAW

CAPITOL NOTEBOOK

DES MOINES — Changes to what is required when health care providers and health insurance companies interact when serving a patient were signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Kim Reynolds, according to the Iowa Medical Society.

Reynolds signed the bill at Monroe County Hospital and Clinics in Albia, according to the Iowa Medical Society, which is a statewide organization that advocates on behalf of Iowa doctors.

The group praised the new law, which was approved unanimously by the Iowa Legislature.

"This law addresses a high priority for physicians across Iowa — fewer barriers to care and decisions grounded in clinical expertise," Iowa Medical Society President Dr. Lillian Erdahl said in a news release. "By addressing prior authorization challenges and strengthening accountability for insurers, we help ensure patients receive timely, appropriate care."

Much of the new law, House File 2635, is built around prior authorization — a requirement that doctors check with a patient's insurance company before conducting a procedure or dispensing medication.

The new law prohibits health insurance companies from using artificial intelligence to determine whether to deny a prior authorization request, exempts recommended cancer screenings from prior authorization requirements, and prevents insurance companies from penalizing doctors who refer patients to out-of-network providers.

The legislation passed the Iowa Senate, 44-0, and the Iowa House, 87-0. It was supported by many health care organizations and opposed only by health insurers, according to state lobbying records.

ZABNER AMONG NEW LEGISLATIVE LEADERS: Iowa Rep. Adam Zabner, D-Iowa City, was elected by House Democrats to serve as an assistant leader in the caucus.

Zabner becomes one of four assistant leaders and fills a vacancy created by Rep. Heather Matson, D-Ankeny, who is running for the Iowa Senate in this fall's general election.

Zabner represents House District 90, which includes the northeastern portions of Iowa City.

"As we head into summer and fall, I am excited to serve in this new role and continue my work in the Iowa House," Zabner said in a news release. "For too long, political insiders have called the shots at the Capitol, while working Iowans are being left behind. I'm ready to hold them accountable and keep fighting for policies that make life more affordable for Iowa families."

Iowa Senate Democrats also elected new assistant leaders: Sens. Tom Townsend of Dubuque and Renee Hardman of West Des Moines. They fill positions vacated by Sens. Bill Dotzler of Waterloo, who retired from the Senate, and Izaah Knox of Des Moines, who is running for the Polk County Board of Supervisors.