It’s the State Treasurer’s job to let Iowans know when they are getting a good or bad financial deal. With that in mind, Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald recently reviewed the Legislature’s competing health care initiatives: the Senate proposal (SF 296) and the Governor’s plan (HSB 232).
Treasurer Fitzgerald concluded that the Senate plan to provide affordable health care to 150,000 uninsured Iowans by expanding Medicaid is the way to go. He noted that the Senate plan spends only $4.7 million in state dollars next year, while the Governor’s plan would spend more than $163 million. In addition, the Governor asks the federal government to kick in an additional $90 million next year for his plan, which insures tens of thousands fewer Iowans.
Medicaid expansion under SF 296 is the best way to expand Iowans’ access to affordable health care. It will cost less and offer more health benefits. It’s what Iowans say they want, and it’s the fiscally responsible thing to do.
