Recently I learned that I could get a necessary prescription medication cheaper if I didn't use my insurance.  I was happy – no more yearly forms to fill out, appeals to make, alternative drugs to try.  And then it dawned on me – I still had to pay my premium, but the insurance company didn't have to pay for my medication. Here is how it works for me. If I get my prescription through my coverage at OptumRx, my cost is $50 per month, and that includes  a detailed and lengthy approval process required by a nameless corporate entity who doesn't know me and whose concern is company profit. If I don't use the coverage, and purchase my prescription at a local pharmacy with an on-line discount coupon, my cost is $35 per month, no approval needed except by my trusted nurse practitioner Brenda Powell Allen.

City Administrator Cole O’Donnell said Keokuk will ramp up discussions about the future of City Hall as soon as it receives the financial settlement from its insurance provider following last week's fire. He is confident the discussions will not include two particular properties: the former Roquette America office building and the entertainment barge.

The first major changes to the Iowa Democratic caucuses were proposed Monday. Iowans who take part in the first-in-the-nation presidential nominating process would be able to do so virtually if the proposal is approved by a central party committee and the Democratic National Committee.

Google challenged non-profits in Illinois to come up with ideas to improve communities.  Around 170 organizations submitted ideas and ten winners were chosen.  One of those winners is the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, which is based in western Illinois. The IIRA received a $75,000 grant from Google and will get another $250,000 if it tallies the most votes in an online poll.