Pettengill Follows Through on Health Care Agenda
3/12/2008
Comprehensive, Bipartisan Bill Passes the Iowa House
(DES MOINES)— Tuesday, Rep. Dawn Pettengill (R-Mount Auburn) supported a bipartisan bill addressing some of the major concerns Iowans have about health care, overwhelmingly passed the Iowa House. House File 2539 encompasses much of the House Republican plan rolled out in December to address the affordability and portability of health care in the state of Iowa.
The bill addresses six major areas of concern for Iowans including the following:
- Revising health insurance regulations to address pre-existing conditions and coverage for young Iowans
- Helping small businesses provide health care coverage to their employees
- Electronic Health Records and Health Information Technology
- Addressing chronic disease prevention and care management
- Helping more Iowans to participate in wellness activities
- Improving the quality of care provided by Iowa’s Medicaid program
Many of these issues were brought up by House Republicans in December, particularly the areas of technology, portability and wellness.
The Centers for Disease Control has found that 32 percent of Iowans have been told they have high cholesterol and 25 percent have been told they have high blood pressure. These factors contribute to the fact that 95 percent of health care dollars are spent on treating health care conditions. The legislation passed Tuesday is aimed at encouraging Iowans to take an active and responsible stance in regards to their own health.
“I am committed to helping everyday Iowans, especially when it comes to addressing the affordability of health care,” said Pettengill. “Our middle class families, senior citizens and small businesses deserve action instead of just talk on health care. This legislation is another step in the plan to help middle class Iowans."
The bill heads to the Senate for their consideration.
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