DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa is seeking federal approval to cut a key Medicaid health care benefit for the elderly and poor in an effort to save money. The state has asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to eliminate a provision that allows a person to get Medicaid coverage three months before he or she submits an application to join the program. The provision ensures a care facility receives retroactive payment for treating some patients who are suddenly sick or in an accident.

The policy would impact new Medicaid patients. The Iowa Department of Human Services says the GOP-controlled Iowa Legislature mandated the cut in a bill with cost-containment measures. DHS estimates $36.7 million would be saved, including $9.7 million for the state.

DHS told The Des Moines Register it hopes to implement the changes on Oct. 1.

The Harlan Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office would like to warn citizens and businesses about the possibility of SCAMS arising from the flooding and relief efforts in Texas. Officials said in a statement, “We, as Iowans, are very caring and giving when it comes to helping other people that are experiencing such heartache and devastation as we are all witnessing in Texas.  As such, we are targets for people looking to take advantage of our generosity.”

Authorities urge everyone to be vigilant with phone, email, and Facebook solicitations wanting money for flood relief. The H-PD says “We have been informed that NO legitimate charities will be soliciting funds by phone, email or Facebook. If you feel the need to help, please stick with legitimate charities that you can check out i.e. American Red Cross, Salvation Army.

Never send anyone cash or gift cards. The legitimate ones don’t work like that. If a local organization, that you are familiar with, or a local church, is fundraising, feel free to help. This should be done in person, if possible so that you are confident that your dollars are going to the victims.

If you aren’t sure of a solicitation, feel free to contact your local law enforcement prior to committing any funds.

A traffic stop Wednesday morning on Interstate 80 near mile marker 7 in Pott. County, resulted in the arrest of the driver on drug charges, and the recovery of 91 pounds of marijuana. Sheriff’s officials say a deputy stopped a 2017 Hyundai Elantra for speeding at around 10:20-a.m., on I-80 eastbound in Council Bluffs.

A Sheriff’s K9 was deployed and conducted a “free air sniff” around the vehicle. The dog alerted to odor of narcotics inside the vehicle, and the driver, 21-year old Gabriel James Swisher, of Glendale, WI., was given a warning for speeding. Swisher, who is a student at the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse, was then asked for permission to search the vehicle. He refused, but a probable cause search was conducted based on the indications given by the K9. During the search, several vacuum sealed packages of marijuana were located and seized into evidence. Swisher was arrested for Drug Possession/Delivery of Marijuana.

The Pott. County Sheriff’s Office said also, a man whose vehicle ran out of gas Wednesday afternoon in Pottawattamie County, flagged down a Sheriff’s Deputy and then turned himself in for Driving While Barred. 32-year old Nicholas John Horgdal, of Henderson, was on the way to see his girlfriend, when the 1997 Ford F-250 truck he was driving, ran out of gas. After his status of being barred from driving was confirmed, Horgal was placed under arrest and the owner contacted to retrieve

And, a records check on man who was visiting an inmate at the Pott. County Jail, Wednesday, resulted in the visitor being arrest, after it was determined he had a warrant for 5th degree Theft. 26-year old Justin Lee Renk, of Carter Lake, had his visit cut short. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the jail.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office today (Thursday), said 36-year old Luke Ahrens Jensen, of Glenwood, was arrested Tuesday night, for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. His bond was set at $300.

And, on Wednesday, 23-year old Justin Aaron Hammers, of Glenwood, was arrested at the sheriff’s office on a  warrant for Child Endangerment. His bond was set at $2,000.

And, no injuries were reported following an accident Wednesday afternoon, in Mills County. Authorities say a 1998 Lexus driven by 21-year old Ronald Nelson, of Council Bluffs, was traveling east on Highway 34 at around 2:20-p.m. and slowing for the intersection with 195th Street to make a right hand turn, when his vehicle was struck by a 2012 Buick, which was also eastbound.

The Buick was driven by 24-year old Chelsea Harvey, of Goldfield. Authorities say Harvey was following too closely and merging into the left travel lane, when the accident occurred. The woman was cited for following to close.