As Iowa honors those who served, federal cuts to Medicaid and food assistance put essential support for veterans and their families at risk
On Veterans Day, Iowans take time to recognize the service and sacrifice of the men and women who served our country. That recognition should also include a commitment to making sure veterans and their families can access the health care and basic support they need. The Republican Tax Law, which includes significant cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, along with the expiration of the Affordable Care Act tax credits, will make it more difficult for them to receive this support.
For many veterans, their care depends on programs like Medicaid. Medicaid provides health coverage to approximately 1.6 million veterans nationwide, including approximately 13,800 in Iowa, who do not qualify for or cannot access other forms of coverage through the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense.
The Republican Tax Law makes significant cuts to Medicaid, putting access to care at risk for veterans and other people who depend on the program. Medicaid can help veterans access mental health and substance use treatment, long-term care, and services that may not be covered through other sources. Nearly half of veterans enrolled in Medicaid report having a disability, making reliable access to care especially important.
In July 2025, Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn voted for the Republican Tax Law, which cut nearly a trillion dollars from Medicaid and SNAP.Republicans in Congress, including Miller-Meeks, also allowed the ACA health care tax credits to expire.
The expiration of enhanced ACA premium tax credits also means many veterans who purchase coverage through the health insurance marketplace face higher costs. Experts estimate that 267,000 fewer veterans would receive marketplace coverage in 2026 without the enhanced tax credits.
For Iowa veteran Terry, the importance of protecting Medicaid extends beyond his own health care. Terry is also a guardian to his adult son, who was born multiplely disabled and relies on Medicaid for his 24x7 care.
“I served this country, and I know how important it is to look out for people who need support. As a father, I also know that caring for our veterans means caring about their families. My son depends on Medicaid services, and I see firsthand how important that coverage is to his health and well-being. Policies that make it harder for people with disabilities to get the care they need; don’t just affect one person, they affect entire families. We should be making sure people can get the care they need, not putting that care further out of reach.”
The consequences of the Republican Tax Law extend beyond health care. Nationwide, more than 300,000 veterans, including approximately 8,000 Iowans, receive food assistance through SNAP. The law removed an exemption for veterans from certain SNAP eligibility requirements, putting more veterans at risk of losing food assistance.
These changes are not abstract policy debates. They affect whether veterans can afford a doctor’s appointment, access mental health treatment, keep food on the table, and support family members who depend on them.