Most Iowans—including legislators and the Governor—agree that our health care system needs to do more to ensure the good health of Iowans and to reduce costs for everyone.
This week, Governor Branstad presented his alternative to expanding Medicaid, the Healthy Iowa Plan. I am pleased that, like the Senate plan (SF 71), the Governor’s proposal rewards health care providers for improvements in their patients’ health.
I will carefully consider the Governor’s entire proposal, but even at first glance, it’s clear that his plan falls short. Here’s how:
• The Governor’s plan costs state taxpayers $163 million in the first year. The Senate plan saves state taxpayers $136 million.
• The Governor’s plan limits access to health care services, requiring Iowans to travel hundreds of miles for care. The Senate plan allows Iowans to get the care they need close to home.
• The Governor’s plan fails to include comprehensive mental health services and asks counties to send their property tax revenues to the state to pay for them. The Senate plan includes mental health services necessary for Iowans to get and stay healthy, and reduces the use of county property taxes to pay for them.
In short, the Senate plan costs less and provides better access to more comprehensive health care.