(Des Moines) Iowa District #23 State Representative Ray Sorensen from Greenfield states that the Iowa House is tackling several key issues to improve healthcare access to veterans, address mental health, and enhance public safety.
Sorensen says House File 303 cuts the red tape in health care. He says this bill is for you if you’ve ever waited too long for a medical procedure or prescription because your insurance required prior authorization.
Sorensen says House File 303 aims to speed up access to care by requiring insurance companies to respond to urgent prior authorization requests within 48 hours, giving providers more flexibility by reducing unnecessary prior authorization requirements. Launching a pilot program to see of certain providers can skip prior authorizations altogether. This would mean fewer delays, less doctor paperwork, and faster care for Iowans.
Sorensen explains that House File 312—Early Intervention for Mental Health takes a proactive approach to getting people the help they need before they reach a dangerous breaking point.
This bill allows courts to order treatment for individuals showing psychiatric deterioration—a condition where a person can’t recognize they need help and is unlikely to seek it on their own.
Iowa would join 30 other states that have similar laws, making it easier to intervene earlier and provide critical treatment before a crisis worsens.
