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Today is the first day of open enrollment for the 39,000 Iowans who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
Plans are being offered through Medica and Wellmark. Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen recommends those on ACA plans review their household income to make sure they still qualify for federal subsidies.
A state board is recommending allowing patients with post-traumatic stress disorder to qualify for Iowa’s medical cannabis program.
Medical professionals approved this after saying there’s not enough scientific evidence supporting the use of cannabis to treat PTSD.
Board member and doctor Lonny Miller says it’ll be several years before strong scientific conclusions can be drawn about cannabis as a medical treatment. He also shared a story about his friend who had PTSD and committed suicide.
“And again there are risks to the CBD and the reports discuss that. Now, the risks of untreated PTSD are numerous as well. At the very least, they live a miserable existence. At the very worst, they die.”
Several members of the public testified in favor of allowing medical cannabis for PTSD, and one testified against, warning the board about potential health and safety risks. The recommendation now goes to the Iowa Board of Medicine for final consideration.
