Medicaid

Hospitals across the Midwest are bracing for cuts to services and staff in the wake of funding changes created in President Donald Trump's budget bill.

Veteran and former nursing educator Kathryn Dolter is running as a Democrat in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District. After a career in the medical field, improving health care accessibility is one of her biggest goals in the face of Medicaid cuts that she said could have broad impacts on maternal health care and rural hospitals.

State officials recently announced that they will end the state's Integrated Health Home program, which supports severely mentally ill Iowans, and will transition them to the newly-formed Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.

The state's major overhaul of its mental health and disability service systems is going into effect this week. Officials say they hope it makes it easier for Iowans to access services.

A new report by the Commonwealth Fund ranks Iowa's health system 18th in the nation. But experts said gains made in reducing the state's uninsured rate could be affected by federal proposals to cut health safety net programs.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is proposing to cut billions from Medicaid, which could affect coverage for thousands of Iowans. Here's a breakdown of what's happening with the bill and what it means for Iowans.

Democratic state Rep. J.D. Scholten from northwest Iowa said recent comments by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst gave him the final push to run for her seat.

Federal lawmakers are considering adding Medicaid work requirements — meaning people would have to prove they work, volunteer, or go to school in order to receive health insurance. Experts warn that many people who already work will fall through the cracks.

Experts say the moderate gains in maternal mental health could be impacted by proposed cuts to Medicaid at the federal level.

More Iowa candidates have come forward with campaign runs for state and Congressional races in 2026.