DES MOINES — Governor Kim Reynolds has introduced legislation that she claims will ensure access to quality healthcare in all parts of the state.
Gov. Reynolds’ bill would consolidate, and more than double to $10 million, the funding for current state-funded student loan repayment programs. The Governor has also directed HHS, in partnership with the University of Iowa and Broadlawns, to establish a Graduate Medical Education enhanced payment to draw down more than $150 million in federal dollars to create a projected 115 new residency slots at Iowa’s 14 teaching hospitals.
“The well-being of working families and rural communities depends on access to high quality healthcare,” Gov. Reynolds said. “Iowa has a strong foundation to build on, but we need more medical professionals, including specialists, in every part of the state. This program will mean over 460 new physicians over four years being trained here in Iowa. That’s a game changer for rural communities and every part of the state.”
Gov. Reynolds also proposes to unbundle Medicaid maternal rates and invest $642,000 to increase rates for healthcare providers who support mothers and babies. Her bill also directs Iowa Health and Human Services to seek federal approval to provide more Medicaid rate flexibility with the goal of incentivizing creative regional partnerships.
“At Mahaska Health, our physicians and nurses recognize the importance of regional partnerships and expanded services in strengthening healthcare access for rural Iowans. Governor Reynolds, in collaboration with Iowa HHS, is committed to rural health and supporting Iowa’s hospitals,” Kevin DeRonde, CEO, Mahaska Health Partnership said. “This legislation ensures that specialty care and technologies remain accessible to patients.”
“Ensuring safe, accessible, high-quality care in rural Iowa is a top priority for hospitals serving those communities, and we appreciate Governor Reynolds’ strong commitment to advancing rural health care across the state,” said Iowa Hospital Association President and CEO Chris Mitchell. “Gov. Reynolds’ bill proposes solutions for the most pressing issues rural hospitals face: growing the physician workforce, stabilizing maternal health, and innovating care delivery through regional partnerships.”