Iowa Senate News Release
April 3, 2008
For more information: 515-281-5269
Landmark Agreement on Health Care Reform,
Major Expansion of Health Insurance for Children
Statement by Senator Jack Hatch
“We are about to approve a major health reform package which will bring health insurance coverage to all Iowa children while making bold reforms designed to contain costs and improve the quality of care.
“We are delivering on our promise to significantly improve access to health care, and we are doing it in a careful, considered and bipartisan manner.
“The federal government must be part of the solution, but President Bush and the Congress have failed to act. We can’t wait any longer for action to make health care more affordable and accessible. Rather than sitting around complaining about the feds, Iowans from both parties have worked together to craft a bold, comprehensive approach that makes Iowa a leader in improving our troubled health care system.
“There is no mandate in this legislation, but there is money. If you want to know what is important to this Legislature, just follow the money.
This is biggest investment of new money the Legislature will make this year. This is the money needed to get the job done. Next year, we’ll spend $4.8 million, and $10 million in the following two years. That will cover all families who need help. Specifically, it will allow us to insure 39,000 of the 53,000 Iowa children who currently do not have health insurance. That is a major step forward.
This legislative session may be the most significant ever when it comes to the progress we’ve made to make sure all Iowans -- parents, children, small business owners, seniors and others-- have access to affordable, high-quality health care.
“The legislation offered today begins an overall reform of Iowa’s health care system. As we move forward we’ll expand our efforts to include telemedicine, the creation of ‘medical homes’ where patients receive consistent care focused on prevention and cost containment, and an insurance exchange to improve quality and lower costs for private insurance plans sold in Iowa.
“Finding broad agreement on such significant legislation took at least a year of work by citizens and professionals both in and out of government. The bipartisan health care commission deserves much of the credit.”
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