The keys to the 4-billion dollar Medicaid program in Iowa are being turned over by the governor to four private companies, starting the first of the year. The decision marks a key point in Governor Branstad’s transformation of the healthcare program for the poor and disabled that serves more than half-a-million Iowans.
Iowa workers would have to shell out just over two percent more for their workers’ compensation premiums under a proposed increase from the state insurance division. The proposal was filed last week with the state.
Polk County’s Health Department is worried about the growing number of kids who are not fully vaccinated. While 97 percent of kids in county schools are fully immunized, more children are not getting the vaccinations they’re supposed to have by the time they need them.
More than 180-thousand Iowa kids will be served local produce this upcoming school year…that’s the word from Tammy Stottts with the state’s Farm to School program. She says more than a third of the districts have edible gardens, which is a great way to teach kids about healthy eating.
More than 200 thousand people turned out for the state fair in the past few days…giving presidential candidates plenty of people to visit with while touring the grounds. Governor Branstad thinks the event is a great tool for politicians to get their message out. The governor was at the fairgrounds yesterday promoting a new app for Iowans to use to find the best cultural destinations in the state.
Homes are selling like hotcakes, according to Iowa realtors. The Iowa Association of Realtors says Iowa home sales were up 12 percent in July from the same time last year. The median sales price was also up, by 3-point-4 percent.
Johnston and Waukee are getting props from Money magazine. The journal dubs them among the 50 Best Places to Live in the nation. Johnston ranks 16th and Waukee 42nd on the list, which is due to low cost of living, high median income, a short commute to Des Moines, and solid schools.
Iowa’s newest millionaire is from Black Hawk County. Brian Delagardelle hit every number but one in Saturday’s Powerball drawing, winning him a million bucks. He claimed his prize yesterday at the lottery headquarters in Clive.
