Yesterday the Iowa Senate approved a bill aimed at expanding subacute mental health care access across the state.  State Senator from Ames, Kara Warme, spoke on KFJB yesterday before the vote to explains what subacute care is.

Warme says they had a commission meet with stakeholders and providers across the state to help identify barriers to care.

One thing this bill does is reduce the time to get a prior authorization for insurance so providers can hear back within 48 hours.  Insurance Companies requested for that to all happen electronically as that will help with speed.

While the Senate did approve the bill, with a small provision it will go back to the Iowa House for approval before it is sent to the Governors desk.

Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB