Iowans Speak Out After Republicans Shut Down the Government Instead of Lowering Health Care Costs

The government shut down Tuesday night as a direct result of Republicans in Congress, including Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn, refusal to extend health tax credits that keep health care premiums affordable for more than 100,000 Iowans and reverse the cuts to Medicaid they made earlier this year. Their decision to prioritize tax breaks for billionaires over the health and well-being of their constituents is a stark reminder of the GOP's misguided priorities. 

Matt Chapman, from Waukee, relies on Medicaid and says he has felt the impact of rising costs already this year, especially at the grocery store. He is troubled by Nunn’s decision to put billionaires before hardworking Iowans. 

“The party in power didn’t even show up to work yesterday. How many folks who live check-to-check can afford to do the same?,” Chapman said. “The tax cuts pushed through are decimating programs folks rely on.”

Terry Moore-Guzman experienced increased ACA premiums during the last Trump administration and shared her story as a cautionary tale of what could happen to thousands of Iowans if the health tax credits are not extended. 

“No one wants a surprise bill like ours that totalled over $20,000,” Moore-Guzman said. “I know what it’s like to depend on those health tax credits. Iowans need their members of Congress to protect their access to healthcare.”