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Iowa bans AI, ends prior authorizations for cancer screening

5/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the Patients First Act, ending prior authorizations for cancer screenings statewide.
The bill passed the Iowa House and Senate unanimously, 87-0 and 44-0, and forces insurers to explain denials, set hospital communication deadlines, and prohibit AI in claim decisions.
Iowa has the nation’s second-highest cancer diagnosis rate, with 87 of 99 counties above national averages, a reason Shelly Russell cited for banning AI.

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Story summary

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the Patients First Act, ending prior authorizations for cancer screenings statewide.
The bill passed the Iowa House and Senate unanimously, 87-0 and 44-0, and forces insurers to explain denials, set hospital communication deadlines, and prohibit AI in claim decisions.
Iowa has the nation’s second-highest cancer diagnosis rate, with 87 of 99 counties above national averages, a reason Shelly Russell cited for banning AI.