Image (left to right): Jenn Crimmins, Iowa Mental Health and Disability Services administrator Marissa Eyanson, Leah Glasgo, Rep. Ann Meyer, Iowa Medicaid director Elizabeth Matney, Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink, Jennifer Pullen, Dr. Katelyn Thompson, Ashley Thompson, and Jim Oberhelman. Image Source: UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge marketing &...

The Illinois General Assembly will reconvene for the spring legislative session on January 4, 2022, having been in recess since the fall veto session. As an abbreviated session, it is likely that higher priority legislation will be considered from legislators, and a possible return in May for budgetary issues is being discussed. 102nd General...

Health Policy Oversight Committee to Meet December 20 The Health Policy Oversight Committee (HPOC) of the Iowa Legislature is scheduled to meet on December 20 where a number of key issues of importance to UnityPoint Health will be addressed. Comprised of ten members of the Iowa House and Senate, the HPOC is charged with providing continued...

Pharmacy Issues and Advocacy have Garnered Attention in Wisconsin This update will focus on pharmacy issues due to a flurry of activity in this space. New Laws: Recently Governor Tony Evers signed three bills focusing on the practice of pharmacy. Medicaid reimbursement: Senate Bill 255 [2021 Wisconsin Act 98] ensures Medicaid will reimburse...

In a joint effort, the Children’s Hospital Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry earlier this fall launched a targeted campaign called Sound the Alarm for Kids: A National Mental Health Emergency.  The purpose of the campaign is to mobilize child advocates across the country to...

340B Health recently published a whitepaper on how various covered entities are using their 340B savings to support their community’s needs. Two UnityPoint Health regions were featured, Cedar Rapid’s dental clinic and Peoria’s diabetes partnership with Walgreens. To learn more, check out the below press release and report.     >>...

UnityPoint Health has submitted comments letters in response to agency proposals; SAMHSA Mental Health Outcomes and IPP Indicators, HRSA Criteria for Determining Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas and CMS Surprise Billing Part II. In addition, UnityPoint Health submitted comments to the state of Iowa in response to Medicaid Inpatient...

Iowa Business Council Meets, Discusses Priorities with Iowa Congressional Delegation The Iowa Business Council (IBC) held its third quarter meeting this month and hosted a Congressional panel discussion with Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Congresswoman Cindy Axne (D-IA 3rd District). Comprised of the 22 largest...

Health Care Legislation Introduced, Physician Assistant Board Filled After the Labor Day weekend, bill introduction has increased in the Wisconsin Legislature. Legislative Proposals of Interest: These proposals were recently introduced. Extended Medicaid Coverage for Post-Partum Women: SB 562 [2021 Senate Bill 562 (wisconsin.gov)] proposes to...

The Illinois House of Representatives and State Senate are currently recessed until the regularly scheduled fall Veto Session, which is set to convene on October 21. However, the House and the Senate reconvened for special sessions in late August and early September to address specific issues of importance to Illinoisians. 102nd General Assembly...