The Republican’s harmful megabill signed into law this past summer, makes significant cuts to health care, nutrition assistance, and other programs that help families meet basic needs. The legislation includes some of the largest proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in history.
These changes would reshape health care and nutrition assistance across Iowa. An estimated 110,000 residents could lose health coverage due to cuts and the expiration of enhanced ACA premium tax credits. Another 68,000 people are expected to lose Medicaid coverage. About 23,000 residents may lose all or part of their SNAP benefits. The bill would also shift costs to the state, with Iowa potentially responsible for up to $26 million per year in new SNAP expenses tied to federal cost-sharing requirements.
Amber Gustafson, a 48-year-old mother of three in Ankeny, Iowa, knows exactly what’s at stake. Her husband runs a small manufacturing equipment company with about 10 employees, and their family depends on ACA tax credits to afford coverage—especially critical for their two children with disabilities. Currently receiving $250 per month in subsidies, the Gustafsons face a $500 monthly increase when Blue Cross Blue Shield raises rates next year if those credits disappear. “This will be a pinch for our family, for sure,” Gustafson said, noting they’ve already started cutting gym memberships and other nonessentials. She may soon face an impossible choice: higher premiums or higher deductibles. Read more about the Iowa residents for whom these changes mean uncertainty.
The bill’s provisions would affect working families like the Gustafsons who rely on the ACA marketplace, Medicaid recipients who depend on stable coverage, and households that use SNAP benefits to meet basic needs. These policy changes would reach an estimated 178,000 Iowa residents losing health coverage and 23,000 losing nutrition assistance, affecting household budgets, access to medical care, and family stability across the state.
Put simply, the bill reduces health care and food assistance while providing tax breaks to higher-income households. Additionally, the House Republicans bills propose further cuts, including reductions to housing assistance funding that could affect families’ ability to maintain stable housing. We urge Members of Congress to protect the millions who rely on these essential services by extending enhanced premium tax credits to prevent over 20 million Americans with Affordable Care Act health plans from seeing their premium costs skyrocket and opposing funding bills that further cut basic needs programs.
Iowans still in limbo as healthcare talks set to begin in Congress
With the government reopen, Iowans who rely on Affordable Care Act tax credits are eagerly awaiting to see how Congress will act.
Continue Reading Iowans still in limbo as healthcare talks set to begin in Congress
Democrats want tax credits for health care included in spending package
Democrats want tax credits for health care included in spending package The possibility of a government shutdown is putting some who depend on the Affordable Care Act on notice. It could take effect Wednesday unless there’s a deal. Senate Democrats say they won’t go along unless tax credits for health care are included in the…
Continue Reading Democrats want tax credits for health care included in spending package
What ACA subsidy expiration means for Iowa families as shutdown looms
What ACA subsidy expiration means for Iowa families as shutdown looms DES MOINES — Iowa Democrats warned Friday that tens of thousands of Iowans could face skyrocketing health insurance premiums or lose coverage altogether if Republicans in Congress fail to extend expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits. Iowa Democratic Party chair Rita Hart said GOP…
Continue Reading What ACA subsidy expiration means for Iowa families as shutdown looms
Iowans brace for impact as government shutdown looms
Iowans brace for impact as government shutdown looms DES MOINES, Iowa — A shutdown of the federal government is looming. The U.S. Senate has been working to pass a continuing resolution to fund itself for seven weeks, but the Republican majority has been unable to find the support. While the party has control of both chambers…
Continue Reading Iowans brace for impact as government shutdown looms
J.D. Scholten launches run after U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst’s statement on Medicaid
J.D. Scholten launches run after U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst’s statement on Medicaid GOP senator draws national criticism for saying ‘we are all going to die’ Iowa Rep. J.D. Scholten, D-Sioux City, launched a run to challenge U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst Monday in the wake of her remarks at a town hall that garnered national backlash…
Continue Reading J.D. Scholten launches run after U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst’s statement on Medicaid
“Angry doesn’t begin to describe what I feel” Iowan says of Sen. Ernst’s Medicaid response
“Angry doesn’t begin to describe what I feel” Iowan says of Sen. Ernst’s Medicaid response IOWA CITY, Iowa — There is pushback coming from Iowans over Senator Joni Ernst’s town hall Friday. Someone in the crowd yelled that people will die from proposed Medicaid cuts and Ernst replied “We all are going to die.” She then followed…