Iowa | Spring | 2009 | Health Plan Analysis
Iowa lawmakers are considering major mandates for state-regulated health plans, including requirements that health plans cover autism, prosthetics, osteoporosis, and cancer treatment in approved clinical trials. But the main focus is on the economy and the challenges of the state budget.
Nationwide, healthcare plans are doing more routine screenings for depression in patients with chronic illness, in recognition that depression can lead to non-compliance with medication and slower recovery.
WellMark, Iowa's dominant insurer, is pushing generic statins through a copay waiver program, with some success.
CIGNA's new positioning of Lipitor on its formulary may help the brand cling to a better share of the market as other generic statins are gaining popularity.
