Patient care must come before insurance profits

During my time in the Iowa Legislature, my goal was to pass meaningful legislation to improve care for all Iowans. Every day we hear of Iowans who struggle to access the proper medical care and medications vital to their well-being. I believe it’s the role of policymakers to ensure there is balance in the health care delivery system, to ensuring access and affordability of medicine. My former colleagues in the Legislature have an opportunity to pass important legislation this session. As a retired pharmacist, I saw my customers struggle with this every day. There is pending legislation to help everyday Iowans access medicine their doctor prescribes and ensure it is affordable.

Two bills I championed when I was in the legislature are still being considered. Patients are still fighting for legislators to be on their side when it comes to access and affordability. It is time for the Iowa House and Senate to pass the Pharmacy Benefit Manager and Nonmedical Switching legislation that give patients access to the medicine their doctor prescribes, not the one the insurance company wants to pay for and ensure it is affordable. The bills ensure local pharmacies can continue to serve their customers. As we head into another election cycle, I implore the General Assembly to pass these important patient-care focused bills to preserve patient stability and pave the path for quality, stable health care for every Iowan.

Tom Greene

Burlington