MASON CITY – The Healthiest Iowa Initiative held its “Medicaid Madness” tour on Wednesday, March 27th in Mason City and other Iowa communities.
The events were meant to educate Iowans about Medicaid expansion and ask them to contact Governor Terry Branstad to support Medicaid expansion.
Two speakers were present at the Mason City event: Chris Petersen of the Iowa Main Street Alliance and John Colombo, President, North Iowa Nine Labor Council. See video below for their remarks.
According to Progress Iowa, accepting Medicaid expansion would cover an additional 150,000 Iowans – uninsured young adults, veterans, the working poor, and mentally ill. Although he has objected to expansion because of a potential failure on the part of the federal government to honor its commitments, Governor Branstad’s alternative plan costs Iowa more and still relies on the federal government for funding. Full details of the Governor’s plan have not been released, but reviews of the limited information that is available indicate that the Governor’s proposal would cost the state more while providing fewer Iowans with the health security they need.
More information about the Healthiest Iowa Initiative can be found at www.healthiestiowa.com.
Video:
httpv://youtu.be/c4JVKUj5Do8