University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to Cease Free Transport of IowaCare Patients: Iowa City Daily News Links, Jan. 3

What it's almost the weekend? I'll take it.

On to the Links!

Tara Bannow of the Iowa City Press-Citizen reports that the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics will stop offering free transportation services for Iowans who depend on the state-run IowaCare program for their medical needs.

Mitchell Schmidt of the Press-Citizen reports that the Gaslight Village on the Northside has a new owner.

The cause of death for the Evansdale cousins will be concealed by authorities for investigative purposes, reports Cedar Falls Patch.

Six events not to miss this weekend. (Press-Citizen) And of course there's the Little Village Weekender.

Iowa's senators Grassley and Harkin manage to symbolize Iowa perfectly, now tying as the longest serving senators (from different parties no less) to ever serve from the same state. (Des Moines Register)

The Iowa DOT is going to start issuing REAL ID driver's licenses to conform to federal standards. (Des Moines Register)

Ice skaters love cold this weather. And so do ice fishers. (Des Moines Register)

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad announces changes that could make it easier for Iowa felons to have their right to vote restored. (Des Moines Register)

Is Chet Culver gearing up for another run for governor? (Des Moines Register)

The Iowa Supreme Court will consider the margin of error for Breathalyzer tests. (Press-Citizen via AP)

Daily Links Excerpt of the Day

Demand for the service has declined given state rules within the past three years that require IowaCare patients to access most services within their own region, or so-called “medical homes.” Now, rather than regularly taking in patients from across the state, UIHC only sees IowaCare patients within its own 21-county region, with the exception of people who need to see a UIHC specialist.

The elimination of the transportation program is expected to affect more than 10,000 patients and save $600,000 annually, money that will be redirected to provide patient care to IowaCare beneficiaries, UI spokesman Tom Moore said. UIHC spent $1.1 million to transport patients in FY12, which it was not reimbursed for, he said.

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