🏥 Protecting Iowa’s Health Care

In rural Iowa, the nearest hospital isn’t just a building — it’s a lifeline. And in many towns, it’s the only one for miles.

When that hospital struggles to hire nurses, absorb rising costs, and maintain key services, families feel it immediately — long before any announcement is made.

Last week, I met with patients and providers at Ottumwa Regional Health Center to hear directly from those on the front lines. The message was clear and consistent: workforce shortages are stretching staff thin, operating costs continue to climb, and rural hospitals can’t keep carrying the burden alone. 

Why it matters: Rural hospitals operate on razor-thin margins. When they’re under pressure, communities see longer wait times, fewer specialists, and services that slowly disappear. The nurses, doctors, and staff serving our neighbors every day know exactly where the gaps are — and their voices must guide the solutions.

Every one of those conversations helps shape the policies we fight for in Washington. Together, we’ve delivered: 

🛡️ Protection for Medicare programs that rural hospitals rely on

📱 Expanded telehealth access through 2027 — so patients can see specialists without driving hours

💰 $209 million for Iowa’s Healthy Hometowns program through the Rural Health Transformation Fund 

What’s next: We’re leading legislation to train more nurses and primary care doctors, permanently secure expanded telehealth flexibilities, and strengthen maternal health care access in rural communities.

Bottom Line: In rural Iowa, health care close to home isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. We’re listening to the voices who know these challenges best and fighting to ensure our rural communities have the care they deserve.