The Iowa DOT reports (as of 11-a.m.), I-80 westbound is experiencing a 30-minute delay due to an accident between Exits 75 and 70. The left lane is blocked.

A bill to address some of the problems in Iowa’s Medicaid program has cleared a House committee. The State Ombudsman just released a scathing report on the privately-run program. The bill directs state officials to review any case where services are cut by one of the private companies. Legislators call them managed care organizations or M-C-Os. Republican Representative Dave Heaton of Mount Pleasant says the bill also requires state officials to step in if a patient wins an appeal. “The decisions on the services continued will lie with the department and not the MCO,” Heaton said. “I think we need to make sure we have covered that.”

Representative Lisa Heddens, a Democrat from Ames, had been hoping for something tougher. “I know this is a starting spot,” Heddens said, “and I hope we can be able to continue to work on addressing all the problems that still are a part of the managed care companies.”

The bill would require the private companies to pay doctors, hospitals and other health care providers by the contract deadlines — and explain any delays. An independent auditor would randomly check payments, too, if the bill becomes law. Senate Republicans balked at the nearly five-million dollar price tag for a previous version of this bill, so it was scaled back.

(Radio Iowa)

Officials with the Glenwood Police Department report four recent arrests. Today (Friday), 37-year old Daisy Manfroi, and, 35-year old Misty Petterson, of Glenwood, were both arrested for Possession of drug paraphernalia. Their bonds were set at $300 each. On Thursday, 41-year old Michelle Sinclair, of Glenwood, was arrested on a Mills County warrant. Her bond was set at $300. And, 36-year old Justin Wright, of Glenwood, was arrested for Public Intoxication – 3rd offense. His bond was set at $2,000.

(Update 9:45-a.m.) One person died during an accident this (Friday) morning near the Cass-Adair County line on Interstate 80. One of the accidents happened on I-80 westbound at the 73 mile marker. Two vehicles were involved. Traffic was backed-up for several miles. As of 10-a.m., westbound traffic was being re-routed to White Pole Road (Hwy 6) to Anita, and then north on Highway 148 to I-80. Anita Rescue and Wiota 1st Responders were dispatched to the scene.  A separate, rollover accident reportedly occurred on I-80 eastbound just after 9-a.m., with the vehicle in the south ditch. Additional details are currently not available.