DES MOINES, Iowa — Changes to Medicaid in the federal budget bill could result in nearly 24,000 Iowans losing their coverage, according to 3rd Congressional District candidate Sarah Trone Garriott and local health care workers.
Trone Garriott, speaking in West Des Moines, criticized 3rd District congressman Zach Nunn’s support for the bill, which passed the House by a single vote. She expressed concerns that cuts to Medicaid could affect the recruitment and retention of health care providers in Iowa.
“We have a challenging time recruiting and retaining health care providers. Medicaid adequately funding that system and making sure it truly covers the cost of care would go a long way in making this a place where providers can come work, have a career,” Trone Garriott said.
Trone Garriott, a Democrat, currently represents District 14 in the Iowa State Senate.
Nunn, a Republican, has not yet announced a reelection campaign. In a statement sent to KCCI in May, Nunn said the bill “safeguards key benefit programs for vulnerable Iowans while eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse.”