We support the Governor’s goal to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation by focusing on improving health outcomes and rewarding healthy behaviors. That is why the Senate has incorporated those ideas into SF 296, which would expand Medicaid and make affordable health care available to 150,000 low-income Iowans who are currently uninsured.
The Governor’s new health care proposal, on the other hand, would not do enough to help Iowa achieve the goal of becoming the healthiest state in the nation. In fact, we would fall behind other states if the Governor’s plan were adopted.
The Governor’s proposal (House Study Bill 232) covers fewer Iowans and offers fewer medical services. On top of that, his plan would raise local property taxes and cost the state $150 million more than the Senate plan that we voted for.
We will continue to work with the House and the Governor to improve the health care legislation that we have already passed in the Senate. The Iowa Catholic Conference, AARP, the Iowa Hospital Association and at least 75 other Iowa organizations are in favor of the Senate bill because it would move Iowa in the direction of becoming the healthiest state in the nation.
We’re on the right track with SF 296.