The Iowa Legislature is considering a pilot program on Medicaid changes, that would allow doctors to have direct primary care and provide basic medical needs for those with Medicaid. State Senator Julian Garrett is the author of the bill, and tells KNIA News this is for smaller everyday medical care needs, and will hopefully cut down on expenses for emergency rooms.

“Doctors can afford to give more time and care for their patients in a private practice, and my thought is if you have a good relationship with your doctor, you can get an appointment right away when you need it for preventative care, you don’t have to wait two weeks or go to the emergency room when you don’t have an emergency.”

Senator Garrett also said this would be for less significant health issues, and nothing would change for major health scares such as a heart attack or life-threatening illness.