From Rep. Sharon Steckman of Mason City –
Health Insurance for 72,000 Iowans in Jeopardy
Nearly 72,000 Iowans who purchased insurance through the federal Marketplace could lose the insurance coverage they currently have next year.
Citing federal uncertainty and high costs, two insurance carriers in Iowa, Aetna and Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield, announced they would no longer offer individual plans as part of the Marketplace in Iowa. In addition, the remaining provider, Medica announced they are more than likely to cease operations in Iowa but a final decision will be made next month.
It is unclear at this point what other options would be available for Iowans if no insurance is available through the Marketplace.
New Changes for Voting Iowans Becomes Law
Voters in Iowa will have more hurdles and less time to vote after Governor Branstad signed into law changes to Iowa’s election law. The new law will shorten the voting window and require a photo ID to vote. The legislation was pushed through despite opposition from both local election officials and voting rights advocates due to the new regulations and challenges voters will face.
The effects of the proposal could make it harder for over 200,000 Iowans who don’t currently have the required documents to vote. The impact of the legislation will especially hurt the elderly, students, disabled, minorities, and low-income Iowans who disproportionately lack the needed requirements. The elimination of 11 early voting days will make it harder for Iowans to vote and gives communities less time to have satellite voting locations throughout their area. Approximately 34,000 Iowans voted in the first 11 days of early voting last year.
During debate, House Democrats worked to improve the bill and make it easier for Iowans to vote by expanding the number of IDs accepted and keeping the early voting timeline in place.
The negative effects will certainly lead to the challenging of the new regulations in court to determine if the new law is constitutional.
First concerning health care, the number of persons losing health care should be classified as 1) those who want health care and will lose the coverage and 2) those who were forced by the government mandate to get health insurance but never wanted to buy a plan. All these reported numbers are very flawed. The Democrats at their best by misrepresenting the numbers.
Early voting was nothing but a scam to allow Democrats to hit all the nursing homes and get old people to vote their way. It is about time they stopped it. They have no integrity at all. They use illegals and people with dementia to get their votes.
Early voting was nothing but a scam to allow Democrats to hit all the nursing homes and get old people to vote their way. It is about time they stopped it. They have no integrity at all. They use illegals and people with dementia to get their votes.
Ever been to the doctor lately? You need a picture ID for that to help curb insurance fraud. Where is the outrage about that. I’m sure the population being served includes the elderly, disabled, students, and yes minorities.
The voting law is completely fair. Don’t have an ID? We will send you one free. How hard is that? How does that effect any legal voter negatively? I don’t get why the Dems squeal about this so much unless they count on non legal voters voting every year.
“It would hurt the elderly, students, disabled, minorities, and low-income Iowans.” How so, it is a free ID? I don’t get is Sharon Steckman. Even if they don’t have an ID, the law states they can still vote provisional and their Identity. will be verified. What is the problem with that?
What is this “We will send you one free” garbage?
So John, I guess that means that for people that do not have current a Photo-ID and can’t afford to get the proper paperwork (birth certificate, etc.) and or can’t drive to get one, you John are going to drive them & pay for it?
Is that what you are saying John?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIGhSo7zMVg