‘Health Care’ Archives
House Moves to Make Sure Cancer Paitents Continue to get Insurance Coverage
In a move to help cancer patients, the Iowa House of Representatives today approved a bill to make sure insurance companies provide routine care for patients while participating in cancer clinical trials.
“Iowans fighting to beat cancer deserve to know their insurance coverage won’t go away because they are participating in a clinical trial,” said State Representative Tyler Olson of Cedar Rapids, who won approval of the bill in the Iowa House. “When a doctor and patient decide on the best treatment to put cancer in remission, insurance companies must continue to cover routine care. This measure will boost participation in clinical trials because many cancer patients decide not to participate in clinical trials for fear of losing their health care.”
House File 2075, which was approved by the Iowa House Monday afternoon, makes clear to cancer patients what types of routine care will continue to be covered while they participate in a clinical trial and also clarifies coverage for health insurance companies.
The bill now moves to the Senate.
New Study Shows Decrease In Heart Disease
The American Cancer Society announced on Thursday, January 14 that heart disease admissions in Iowa have decreased 24 percent since the Iowa Smokefree Air Act was passed in 2008.
The benefits appear to be increasing in size, with more than a 40 percent decrease in coronary heart disease admissions from June 2008 through June 2009.
The study monitored hospital admissions for tobacco related illnesses from July 2005 through June 2009.
The studies also show a five percent decrease in hospital admissions for strokes, and an eight percent decrease in hospital admissions for heart attacks. Other data illustrates a sharp decline in the smoking rate and cigarettes consumed in Iowa since 2007. This correlates with the increased tobacco tax released that year, as well as the passage of the Iowa Smokefree Air Act.
H1N1 Vaccinations Opening to All Iowans
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced that beginning Monday, December 14, 2009, all Iowans will be eligible to receive an H1N1 flu vaccination.
While H1N1 vaccinations will be available to all Iowans beginning Monday, IDPH continues to encourage those at highest risk of complications to make sure they are vaccinated.
Public health officials predict that another wave of H1N1 illness will occur during the usual time Iowa sees the highest rates of influenza activity – late January and February.
For a list of public H1N1 vaccination sites and clinic times, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/webmap/default.asp?map=h1n1_vaccine_sites.
Funding Available for Victim-Service Agencies
Funds are still available for victim service agencies that provide community-based services to victims of crimes such as sexual assault, domestic abuse, child abuse, drunk-driving, and other violent crimes. Funds also may be used for law enforcement, prosecution, and court efforts related to violence against women.
Successful applicants will be designated for continued funding for a three-year period beginning July 1, 2010, and ending June 30, 2013. Currently, approximately 90 programs are receiving a total of about $9.8 million in state and federal funds to support their work with victims of crime.
Organizations that are interested must file a Letter of Intent to apply for funding by 4:30 p.m. December 15, 2009.
For more information is available at the Crime Victim Assistance Division website at http://victimservicegrant.iowa.gov.