Iowa Senate Democrats

Fighting for a Better Deal for Iowans.

  • Nov 7th Livestream: Reynolds Admin to defend “the nation’s worst state Medicaid privatization effort”

    Statement by Senator Joe Bolkcom, Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee and member of the Medicaid Assistance Advisory Council
    “On Tuesday, November 7, Iowa Department of Human Services Director Jerry Foxhoven will have the unenviable job of defending the nation’s worse state Medicaid privatization effort.

    (The meeting will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/IowaSenateDemocrats/)

    “On behalf of the Reynolds Administration, Director Foxhoven will explain how the interests of 215,000 medically vulnerable Iowans will be protected when they are re-assigned to a new MCO within the next 30 days.

    “He will also attempt to explain why Iowa taxpayers should invest $60 million more state dollars in Iowa’s failed Medicaid privatization project.

    “This is the last 2017 meeting of the full membership of the Medicaid Assistance Advisory Council. The council is the largest and most comprehensive meeting of Iowans appointed to represent the interests of Iowa families and Iowa health care providers.”*

    “I encourage members of Iowa’s news media to attend and report on how Iowa plans to start fixing the nation’s worse state Medicaid privatization effort.”

    -end-

    *Complete list of members: https://dhs.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/SFY17-18_MAAC_Members_Current_9.pdf

  • Iowa health insurance for 2018

    TOPICS

    IOWANS DESERVE A BETTER APPROACH TO HEALTH CARE

    HOW DO MOST IOWANS GET HEALTH CARE COVERAGE?

    Employer-sponsored health insurance

    Individually-purchased health insurance

    Public health care programs

    PURCHASE INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE FOR 2018

    WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE MEDICAID THROUGH AMERIHEALTH CARITAS

     

    IOWANS DESERVE A BETTER APPROACH TO HEALTH CARE

    Things seem to be going from bad to worse for Iowans when it comes to health care. In recent days, we’ve learned that:

    • The federal government has approved Iowa Republicans’ bad decision to cut coverage for new Medicaid recipients. About 40,000 Iowans will no longer get necessary medical care in the weeks before they receive official approval that they’re eligible for Medicaid. Iowa is the only state to deny these reimbursements for new Medicaid members.
    • One of the private companies that provides Medicaid in Iowa is leaving the state. That means 215,000 Iowans must find new providers—including thousands of Iowans with special needs—with only a month’s notice. Beginning in December, Iowa will have only two Managed Care Organizations for all of our state’s Medicaid recipients.
    • Iowans who need to buy their own health insurance for 2018 have only one option. Two companies that have sold health insurance directly to Iowans (Wellmark and Aetna) are discontinuing those policies. That leaves only Medica, which is significantly increasing its rates.

    Washington has gotten nowhere with promised health care reform. Congress hasn’t managed to put together a health care package that Americans want, but has instead undermined many of the best features of our current system.

    Iowans deserve better. That’s why Iowa Democrats are ready to work with the Governor and our Republican colleagues on a bipartisan solution.

    Our first step must be to end Iowa’s privatized Medicaid system, which has been a disaster from the get-go for Iowa families, health care providers and taxpayers. Privatized Medicaid was billed as a money-saving move that would provide better health care. Instead, it has been costly and chaotic.

    Senate Democrats will speak up about these concerns at two health care meetings happening at the Statehouse this week. The Medical Assistance Advisory Council meets Tuesday, November 7, to review Iowa’s health and medical care services. On Wednesday, November 8, the Legislature’s Health Policy Oversight Committee will convene to assess the latest on Iowa’s privatized Medicaid.

     

    Recent health care news has left many Iowans frustrated. Below is some information about where things stand right now. We hope this helps provide a little clarity about health care options available to Iowans.

    Please share your questions and concerns with us so that we can speak up for you as we work through Iowa’s health care mess. Senate Democrats will continue to push for better, more affordable health care for all Iowans.

     

    HOW DO MOST IOWANS GET HEALTH CARE COVERAGE?

    Information courtesy of the Iowa Insurance Division

    Employer-sponsored health insurance

    • Most Iowans get health insurance through a group plan offered by their employer (private companies, government and military). Pay close attention to your enrollment options this year. Your plan may have changed.
    • If you switch jobs, you may be subject to a probationary period, during which you are not eligible for coverage with your new employer.
    • If you lose employer coverage, you have about 60 days to sign up for private insurance through HealthCare.gov.
    • If you lose a job that offers insurance, you may be eligible for continued coverage for a time.
    • If you work for a small business, meet with an insurance agent to review the health insurance options that best fit your needs.

     

    Individually-purchased health insurance

    • This includes small business owners, the self-employed or those who work for organizations that don’t offer group plans. In 2017, about 153,000 Iowans bought their own health insurance.
    • For 2018, Iowans purchasing their own insurance have one option, Medica, which is available through HealthCare.gov.
    • You have until December 15 to enroll for coverage beginning January 1.
    • If you currently have coverage through HealthCare.gov and do not choose a plan for 2018, you will be re-enrolled in a similar plan offered by Medica.

     

    Public health care programs

    • About 1.2 million Iowans receive health care through Medicare and Medicaid.
    • Medicare is a federally funded program for those 65 or older, and those living with certain disabilities, kidney failure or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Medicare open enrollment runs through December 7. Some Medicare recipients may see increases in their premiums for 2018. Call 1-800-351-4664 with questions.
    • Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal and state governments. It provides health insurance to low-income Iowans. To see if you are eligible, go to DHS Services or call the Iowa Department of Human Services at 1-855-889-7985.

     

     

    PURCHASE INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE FOR 2018

    Information courtesy of Medica

    Iowans who plan to buy their own health insurance for 2018 can enroll through December 15. HealthCare.gov is the only official government website selling health insurance.

    Iowans may call 1-800-318-2596 or visit HealthCare.gov to learn about enrolling and to see if you qualify for subsidies to help pay for your coverage.

    Local insurance agents, navigators and application counselors can help you review the available plans to find what best fits your needs. To find help close to home, go to localhelp.HealthCare.gov.

     

    Where to enroll

     

    Medica insurance for local Iowans

    Medica is the only insurer offering plans to Iowans who purchase their own health insurance for 2018. Medica will offer different insurance plans depending on your county of residence.

    You can choose a Health Savings Account or a co-pay plan, whichever best meets your needs for cost-sharing, deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs. You can look up what these terms mean at www.healthcare.gov/glossary.

    Medica Insure will be available in 72 counties. This is an open-access provider network with tiered copays. If you use preferred health care providers, you’ll have lower deductibles and co-pays. Medica Insure has more than 13,000 primary and specialty care providers and more than 250 hospitals.

    Inspire by Medica is offered in conjunction with UnityPoint Health in 25 counties. Members will pay less when they see UnityPoint Health providers. The UnityPoint network includes more than 3,300 primary and specialty care doctors, more than 39 hospitals, and online and convenience care clinics.

     

    WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE MEDICAID THROUGH AMERIHEALTH CARITAS

    Information courtesy of the Iowa Department of Human Services

    AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa is one of three private “Managed Care Organizations” that have been running Iowa’s privatized Medicaid since April 2016. The company announced this week that they will stop operating in Iowa at the end of the month.

    AmeriHealth has the largest number of Medicaid enrollees in that state. Now 215,000 Iowans must switch to a different insurer and may have to find new doctors. Members should watch their mail and the IA Health Link webpage for important details.

    Medicaid coverage for Iowans on AmeriHealth will be automatically transitioned to Amerigroup Iowa or UnitedHealthcare or a fee-for-service system on December 1. However, you can change plans! You have until March 1, 2018, to change your MCO for any reason.

    If you have questions or concerns, call Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-338-8366. You may also wish to subscribe to the Iowa Medicaid e-News to get the latest information.

     

     

     

  • Privatized Medicaid has more bad news for Iowans

    Iowa Senate News Release
    For Immediate Release:  October 31, 2017

    Senate Democratic Leader: ‘More bad news for Iowans needing accessible health care’

    A statement from Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen on  another round of bad news regarding privatized Medicaid system:

    “For too long, Governor Reynolds and Republican legislators have been telling Iowans that the privatized Medicaid experiment was a huge success. That’s nonsense!

    “Today’s announcement is more bad news for Iowans needing accessible health care, and it’s more proof that Medicaid privatization is a horrible disaster.  Privatized Medicaid has proven to be bad news for Iowa families, health care providers and taxpayers.

    “The best advice for Governor Reynolds and legislative Republicans is this: ‘You’ve dug yourself into a hole. You need  to stop digging.’”

    – end –

     

  • Another broken health care promise to Iowans by Republicans

    “Governor Reynolds and the Republicans in Washington, D.C., continue to break their promise to provide access to affordable health care to more than 72,000 Iowans.

    “Republicans have done everything possible to undermine ObamaCare and they have failed to provide a workable, bipartisan alternative to help Iowans who need health care security.

    “Whenever Governor Reynolds is ready to work with legislative Democrats on a workable, bipartisan solution, we’re ready to work with her.”

    –Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen on failure of Governor Reynolds’ stopgap insurance proposal.

  • Latest revenue estimates show Republican policies continue to damage job growth and economic opportunities

    October 19, 2017 

    Statement on the updated revenue estimates by Senator Joe Bolkcom,
    Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member

    “Since 2010, Statehouse Republicans and then-Governor Terry Branstad have made two big promises to Iowans: Raise family incomes by 25% and create 200,000 new Iowa jobs.

    “Today’s updated revenue estimates are more evidence that Governor Reynolds and legislative Republicans are continuing to break those promises to Iowans. That’s bad, bad news for Iowa families and their communities, especially those living in smaller towns and rural ares.

    “The bottom line is that economic prosperity and fiscal responsibility will only return if Governor Reynolds and Republican legislators start working in a bipartisan way to make smart investments in Iowa workers and their families.”

    –    end –

  • Mathis named “Hero in the Fight” for better mental health treatment in Iowa

    State Senator Liz Mathis

    IOWA SENATE NEWS
    For immediate release: Oct. 6, 2017

    CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – State Senator Liz Mathis (D-Hiawatha) has been named a Hero in the Fight by the Linn County chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness.

    “Senator Mathis works relentlessly to advocate for our most vulnerable citizens. With Medicaid moving to a managed care system, Senator Mathis has been active in the community, listening to individuals and families about their experiences and making sure no one falls through the cracks. She listens to providers and advocacy groups so that she truly understands how real people are impacted. Her genuine care is evident,” said Kathy Johnson, a member of the board of directors for NAMI Linn County.

    The Heroes in the Fight awards are given each year to those who help fight stigma the stigma of mental illness and promote positive changes to ensure all Iowans have access to affordable and effective mental health treatment.

    “Iowans struggling with mental illness are some of our most vulnerable citizens, but their needs are often overlooked, or they get lost in our complicated health care system. They deserve someone who will stand up for them, fight for them and not quit until we get the job done,” Mathis said.

    Senator Mathis authored legislation with the help of Kent Jackson, director of Behavioral Health for Unity Point, which allows certain patients with schizophrenia to get long-lasting injections of antipsychotic medicine so that they can avoid costly hospital stays and more easily return to their day-to-day life.

    She also created a Children’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Workgroup in 2015 that is building a child mental health care system. The workgroup will be presenting legislation in 2018 that will address children experiencing a mental health care crisis. The workgroup also has encouraged pilot projects for new ways of improving child wellbeing.

    The Heroes in the Fight awards ceremony took place Thursday at Mercy Hospital’s Hallagan Auditorium in Cedar Rapids. Other local award recipients were:

    • Ben Rogers – Linn County Board of Supervisor
    • Ursula Livermore – Eastern Iowa Health Center Medical Director
    • Diane Brecht – Local Provider of SCL services
    • Brad Neff – Volunteer with Family Support and Family-to-Family classes

    NAMI Linn County is the local affiliate of a state and national association dedicated to education, advocacy and support for individuals and families struggling with the impact of a mental illness.

    ###

  • Urge Gov Reynolds to let parents affected by individual health insurance crisis to buy hawk-i children’s health insurance

    Iowa Pediatrician Amy Shriver, MD, and State Senator Janet Peterson support allowing parents unable to buy insurance on the individual market to buy into hawk-i, Iowa’s children’s health insurance plan..

    July 24, 2017  (Des Moines)  Today at the Iowa Statehouse, a state senator and an Iowa pediatrician proposed a plan to protect more than 11,000 Iowa children from losing health insurance on January 1 of next year.   The children’s parents are among those who would lose all access to health insurance if the individual market in Iowa collapses or the policies in the individual market are not affordable.

    “There is a very real possibility that 72,000 Iowans could be without health insurance next year.  Governor Reynolds should immediately ask the Trump Administration to allow Iowa families to purchase health insurance for their children through hawk-i, Iowa’s children’s health insurance program,” said State Senator Janet Petersen of Des Moines.  “This is a simple, affordable and straightforward solution that would give thousands of Iowa families the certainty that health care will at least be there for their children.”

    Hawk-i provides health and dental insurance to children aged 18 and under from lower income families.  Parents pay premiums on a sliding scale and the rest of the costs are picked up by the state and federal government.  The program was established with strong bipartisan support in 1999.  Iowa’s program has earned widespread praise for providing high quality care, being easy to use, and having low administrative costs.

    Under the proposal, Iowa families unable to purchase health insurance elsewhere could buy insurance for their children through hawk-i.  Parents would pay the full cost of the premiums, which are expected to be affordable due to the relatively low cost of insuring children.

    “We already collect premiums based on a family’s ability to pay,” said Petersen. “We aren’t asking for additional federal or state dollars to make this plan happen.  All we need is the federal government’s permission to allow Iowa parents to buy into hawk-i.”

    Dr. Amy Shriver, a Des Moines pediatrician, said: “Access to healthcare, including oral care, is essential to children’s healthy development and future success.  Children learn best when they are healthy and safe. Children need regular, preventive well-child checkups.”

    Petersen’s experience with these issues includes her past service on the hawk-i Board of Directors and years of experience working with insurance issues as a leading member of the Iowa Senate’s Commerce Committee.

    “Iowa families on the individual market are small business owners, self-employed, or work for organizations that don’t offer group plans. They are just a few short months away from losing their health insurance and are without affordable alternatives.  With no sign of a viable solution coming from Congress, we need Governor Reynolds to act,” said Petersen.  “Governor Reynolds, please ease these parents’ fears.  Use your power to push for a solution Iowans can actually afford – especially for our kids.”


    Summary: Keeping Iowa’s Kids Insured

    Background:

    • Iowa has consistently ranked in the top states in the country for children’s access to health care and dental care.
    • Iowa’s Children’s Health Insurance Program provides coverage to over 60,000 children.
    • The covered services under hawk-i are approximately equivalent to the benefit package of the state’s largest HMO at the time the program was initiated.
    • Providing medical care through health insurance that includes essential health benefits is less costly, produces better results, and helps prevent unnecessary, costly visits to emergency rooms.

    The threat to health care coverage for more than 11,000 Iowa children:

    • It is possible that Iowa will have no insurance plans available in the 2018 individual market. Wellmark and Aetna have already dropped out.  Medica intends to stay in the marketplace and has requested a 43% rate increase.  There is no guarantee Medica will not back out later.
    • Iowa’s Insurance Commissioner has responded to the problems with the individual market by with a “Stop Gap Proposal” that is pending with CMS. The “Stop Gap Proposal” would use the federal funding that today provides ACA subsidies and cost sharing reductions to allow Iowans to purchase a public option plan, similar to a silver level ACA plan.  This plan will be available for purchase to all Iowans, some with a subsidy.  Families earning more than over 400% of the federal poverty level would not be eligible for a subsidy.
    • Both options under the “Stop Gap Proposal” will be very expensive. With Medica’s premiums going up 43%, many families will not be able to afford the plans, even if they get a subsidy.  can only buy into the program in January and must stay in all year to remain eligible.

    The Iowa Senate Democrats’ Expanded hawk-i Proposal: Making sure more than 11,000 kids have health care

    • More than 11,000 Iowa children receive their insurance coverage through an individual market plan purchased by their parents. They will not have access to health care if their parents cannot afford to buy a Medica or Stop Gap plan or the plans are not available.
    • In order to keep children insured, it is proposed to allow parents to buy into the hawk-i plan for their children ages 18 and below. It could also cover children up to age 26 as all private plans must currently do.
    • Expanded hawk-i would be available to families with incomes above 300% of the federal poverty level. (Those below 300% are already eligible for hawk-i.)

    Conclusion: Governor Reynolds should ask CMS for emergency approval to allow Iowa parents with incomes over 300% of the federal poverty level to purchase, without subsidy, hawk-i coverage for their children.  These families may be without any other options in Iowa in 2018.

  • Governor should urge Ernst, Grassley to oppose health care harmful changes

    July 18, 2017

    The top two Democratic State Senators on the Iowa Senate’s healthcare budget and policy committees are urging Governor Kim Reynolds to contact U.S. Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley about the threat that healthcare legislation pending in the U.S. Senate poses to Iowa families, health care providers and rural communities.

    The joint letter notes that Iowa Democrats and Republicans worked together in 2011 to “expand Medicaid to cover 150,000 working Iowans who did not earn enough to purchase insurance on the open market.”

    The successful Iowa Medicaid expansion has improved healthcare for thousands of Iowans, reduced costly charity care at rural and urban hospitals, and saved Iowa health care jobs.

    The State Senators warned Reynolds that the proposal currently being debated in the U.S. Senate would devastate Iowa’s success.  They wrote:

    “The cost of unpaid charity care in Iowa could again reach the billion-dollar-a-year level it had reached before the Medicaid expansion.  This would increase the price of health insurance generally and be especially harmful to hospitals and health care providers in Iowa’s rural communities.  If Medicaid is cut significantly, rural health care providers could be forced to close.  That would have a devastating effect on patient access to health care and would be a major blow to the continued viability of Iowa’s small towns.

    “In addition, some 72,000 Iowans on the individual market may soon be unable to buy health insurance at any price. You’ve stated that your administration is working on a stop-gap proposal to fix this problem for 2018.  We want to remind you of the urgent need to resolve this issue as soon as possible.  Iowa’s U.S. Senators must work with the Trump Administration to immediately eliminate the health care insecurity haunting these Iowa families.”

    In the letter, Senators Ragan and Mathis also urged the Governor  to “stand up for Iowa the way other Republican and Democratic Governors have stood up for their states.”  As examples, the senators cited statements by the Republican Governors of Nevada, Ohio, and Vermont that are critical of the proposal before the U.S. Senate.

    The senators ended their letter by stating:

    “Governor Reynolds, we urge you to speak up in defense of Iowa families, Iowa health care providers, Iowa jobs, and the state budget.  Specifically, we urge you to contact Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst as soon as possible.  Encourage them to speak out publicly against health care changes that would devastate Iowans and the Iowa economy.”

     

    Text of the letter is below

    July 18, 2017

    Dear Governor Reynolds,

    We write to urge you to join other Republican and Democratic Governors in speaking out against the healthcare bill currently being debated in the US Senate.

    In 2011, with bipartisan support and the participation of Governor Branstad and yourself, the Iowa Legislature voted to expand Medicaid to cover 150,000 working Iowans who did not earn enough to purchase insurance on the open market.

    Iowa’s Medicaid expansion improved the health of working Iowans, reduced the cost of charity care at Iowa’s hospitals, and increased the number of health care jobs across Iowa.   The state of Iowa will pay no more than 10 percent of the overall cost.  The benefits to Iowans are obvious and continue even though Medicaid has been privatized.

    Governor Reynolds, we know you are certainly aware that the United States Senate is debating legislation that would negatively affect Medicaid expansion.  The cost of unpaid charity care in Iowa could again reach the billion-dollar-a-year level it had reached before the Medicaid expansion.  This would increase the price of health insurance generally and be especially harmful to hospitals and health care providers in Iowa’s rural communities.  If Medicaid is cut significantly, rural health care providers could be forced to close.  That would have a devastating effect on patient access to health care and would be a major blow to the continued viability of Iowa’s small towns.

    In addition, some 72,000 Iowans on the individual market may soon be unable to buy health insurance at any price. You’ve stated that your administration is working on a stop-gap proposal to fix this problem for 2018.  We want to remind you of the urgent need to resolve this issue as soon as possible.  Iowa’s U.S. Senators must work with the Trump Administration to immediately eliminate the health care insecurity haunting these Iowa families.

    That’s why we ask you to stand up for Iowa the way other Republican and Democratic Governors have stood up for their states. Here are a few examples:

    Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval has said Medicaid expansion has been “a winner for the people of our state.”

    Ohio Governor John Kasich has said that he has “deep concerns with the details of the U.S. Senate’s plan to fix America’s health care system and the resources needed to help our most vulnerable.”

    Vermont Governor Phil Scott said this about the Republican Senate changes to Medicaid: “Even a small tweak could have a devastating impact on us as a state.”

    Governor Reynolds, we urge you to speak up in defense of Iowa families, Iowa health care providers, Iowa jobs, and the state budget.  Specifically, we urge you to contact Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst as soon as possible.  Encourage them to speak out publicly against health care changes that would devastate Iowans and the Iowa economy.

    Sincerely,

    Senator Amanda Ragan of Mason City
    Ranking Member, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee

    Senator Liz Mathis of Robins
    Ranking Member, Human Resources Committee

    -30-

     

  • Latest state deficit figures show GOP budget is ‘out of whack’ and hurting Iowa families

    A statement from Senator Joe Bolkcom, ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee:

    “Iowa is not in a recession. Iowa is experiencing slow revenue growth because the policies of Governor Reynolds and legislative Republicans are out of whack. Delaying tax refunds for Iowa families and other gimmicks will not solve this budget mess.

    “Republicans must stop showering tens of millions on large tax giveaways to out-of-state corporations.  These tax giveaways now top $500 million annually and are the fastest growing part of the state spending.
    “The really bad news is that Governor Reynolds and legislative Republicans are balancing the budget on the backs of working Iowans. Senate Democrats will continue to oppose Republican-sponsored cuts to the services that Iowans depend on.  These cuts threaten public safety, the quality of education, and the safety net for seniors, children and vulnerable Iowans.
    “These cuts to services could have been avoided if Republican legislators and Governor Reynolds had delivered on their promises to increase family income by 25% and create more than 200,000 new jobs in Iowa.
    “So far, working Iowans have seen nothing but broken promises and horrible cuts to state services from Governor Reynolds and legislative Republicans.”
    – end –

  • Gov. Reynolds: Convince Pres. Trump to stop Iowa health care disaster

    June 21, 2017

    (Open letter from Senator Joe Bolkcom to Governor Kim Reynolds)

    Dear Governor Reynolds:

    Today, you will have an opportunity to speak one-on-one with President Trump in Cedar Rapids.

    I support your announced plan to raise the issue of Iowa’s failing individual insurance market.  However, that issue is only one part of Iowa’s health care problems.

    Governor Reynolds, you must be aware that the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress is rushing to send President Trump health care legislation.  This legislation will devastate Iowa families, Iowa health care providers, the State of Iowa’s budget, and the Iowa economy.

    That’s why Iowans are counting on you to convince President Trump to oppose this impending disaster.  Here are some of the reasons why the Republican health care bills are so bad for all Iowans:

    1. Proposed cuts to Medicaid expansion threaten health care for 150,000 Iowans.
    2. More Iowans will be living without health insurance. There will be more uninsured charity care, care that is less effective, more costly, and will increase everyone’s health care costs.
    3. Older Iowans, who make up an increasingly large share of Iowa’s population, will be hit especially hard by these changes.
    4. Cuts, caps or block granting federal Medicaid spending will cost the state of Iowa hundreds of millions of dollars.
    5. Health care providers will be paid less. It will be harder to recruit and keep qualified doctors, nurses and other caregivers, especially in Iowa’s small towns and rural communities.
    6. Health care is a large part of Iowa’s economy. Health care layoffs and wage cuts will hurt all sorts of Iowa businesses and weaken our economy.

    Iowa’s response must be bipartisan. That’s why at tomorrow’s meeting of the Legislative Council, I will propose that we create a special legislative interim committee to examine Iowa’s health care crisis and offer solutions.

    This committee would look at proposed Medicaid cuts, the collapse of the individual market, the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and the impact on the state budget.

    Governor Reynolds, please use your influence with President Trump to make sure Iowans can keep their health insurance, to protect rural hospitals and health care providers, and to prevent a devastating blow to Iowa’s economy.

    I hope you will return to Des Moines with some good news.  We need some right now.

     

    Signed,

    Joe Bolkcom

    State Senator

    PDF of letter to Gov Reynolds