News from the State House

by State Representative Patti Ruff

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11. First recognized in 1919, the date commemorates the end of fighting in World War I when an armistice took effect between the Allied nations and Germany at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918. Thank you to all who have served and protected our freedom. We are forever grateful.
Last session, we took action to help veterans and their families by expanding eligibility for the disabled veterans homestead property tax exemption and passing a consumer protection bill for veterans. Lawmakers also passed a bill to stabilize funding for the Iowa Veteran’s Trust Fund and extended the privilege of confidential communications to military victim advocates.
Hundreds of Iowans packed a hearing at the Statehouse this week with a simple message to lawmakers: delay or stop the Governor’s plan to privatize health care for 565,000 Iowans. They cited concerns about a reduction of services, payments to non-profit providers, and thousands of Iowans falling through the cracks in the rush to privatization.
Starting January 1, new contracts will take effect with Amerigroup Iowa, AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa, UnitedHealthcare Plan of the River Valley, and WellCare of Iowa.  Each company will develop a network of preferred providers.
During the month of October, DHS sent out mailings to current Medicaid members with general information on managed care, what members can expect in the coming months, a timeline and frequently asked questions.
Since the Governor announced his privatization plan, I have received lots of questions and many of you have already voiced your concerns with the Governor’s rush to privatization. I will continue to offer information about the Governor’s plan as they are released, but if you have any concerns or questions please feel free to contact me anytime.
With the cooler temperatures setting in now for the season, make sure you check and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors, check your furnaces for any leaks, and check chimneys on wood stoves and fire places. These preventive measures could be life-saving.
Also, we are in the height of the rut season for deer. They only have one thing on their mind and it is not watching out for your car on the road. With it getting darker earlier, be alert and remember not to swerve to avoid hitting one.
As always I am here to serve you. Please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions at patti.ruff@legis.iowa.gov.