Miller-Meeks tells Iowans to “get their facts straight” on health care while her votes drive up premiums and close hospitals
During a telephone town hall last night, Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks doubled down on her votes against health care tax credits and to cut Medicaid as part of the Republican Tax Law, telling a constituent who raised concerns about rising premiums and rural hospital closures to "get your facts straight."
During the call, Miller-Meeks claimed the enhanced premium tax credits "did nothing to lower premiums" and instead "led to higher premiums." That claim is at odds with what Iowans know to be true. The enhanced premium tax credits had been the primary tool keeping marketplace coverage affordable. Since she voted to raise health care costs for over 100,000 Iowa marketplace enrollees, Affordable Care Act premiums have doubled for many Iowans and thousands are being forced to go without coverage entirely. Open enrollment for 2027 starts in only two months on Nov. 1, with premiums for Iowans expected to continue to rise. Miller-Meeks continues to scold and distract her constituents, but here are the facts:
The Republican Tax Law which Miller-Meeks supported, makes the largest cut to Medicaid in the program's history. The law is projected to strip Iowa of between $7 billion and $12 billion over the coming decade.
More than 14 clinics and hospitals across the state have already closed or announced closures with others making cuts or remaining at risk of closure.
After voting to cut cost-lowering health care tax credits, Miller-Meeks dismissed the burden of rising health care costs, saying Iowans should have "some skin in the game" and be incentivized to stay healthier and not “overutilize” health care.
"Congresswoman Miller-Meeks says we need to focus on the facts, and we agree," Mazie Stilwell, Executive Director of Progress Iowa said. "Here are the facts: she voted to raise health care costs and she voted to cut billions in Medicaid funding. That is why premiums are up, why rural hospitals are at risk, and why her constituents like Jill Kordick are skipping care. Iowans don't need a lecture — we need her to reverse course, restore the tax credits, and stop the cuts."