Iowa law eliminates insurance delays for cancer screenings
By KCCI Web Staff
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DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law that aims to speed up the process of cancer screenings for patients in Iowa.
The Iowa Cancer Registry reports that the state has the second-highest and fastest-rising cancer rate in the country. Previously, doctors seeking to rule out cancer had to request prior authorization from insurance companies, a process that could take weeks.
Under the new law, insurance companies will no longer require prior authorization for cancer screenings. The legislation also sets deadlines for insurers to communicate with hospitals about the status of patients’ claims.
“By establishing firm timelines for notifications, decisions, and appeals, insurance companies will now be required to provide clear clinical explanations when care is denied. And this helps providers spend less time navigating red tape and more time with the people they serve,” the governor said.
The law will take effect on July 1.
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