DES MOINES — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced new legislation to protect Medicaid and SNAP benefits for vulnerable Iowans after touring the MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines and hearing from doctors about the impact of these programs on Iowa families. A recap of the tour is available here or by clicking the image below:
Rep. Nunn speaking with Dr. Hijinio Carreon and Dr. Mustafa Eldadah. Rep. Nunn also spoke with Dr. David Chew, Dr. Tom Wernimont, Dr. Brad Wilcox, and Imaging Director Cindy Hecht during the tour about the impact of programs like Medicaid and SNAP on patitents and services at MercyOne.
The Defending Medicaid and SNAP Resolution would block any attempt to cut essential healthcare and nutrition services for seniors, children, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities through the budget reconciliation process.
“Medicaid gives more than 150,000 people in our communities access to medical care, while SNAP ensures that 60,000 individuals know where their next meal is coming from,” said Rep. Nunn. “Today, I heard from doctors and patients about why defending these critical programs is so important, and how my legislation will ensure D.C. cuts do not impact vulnerable Iowans.”
The resolution establishes a new rule in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 119th Congress that would prohibit consideration of any budget reconciliation bill that reduces Medicaid or SNAP enrollment or benefits for individuals 19 and under, individuals aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities.
“The Iowa Hospital Association appreciates Congressman Nunn’s efforts to protect Medicaid eligibility and benefits for the more than 700,000 Iowans who rely on the program for health coverage,” said Chris Mitchell, Iowa Hospital Association President and CEO. “In the last fiscal year, Medicaid covered more than 13,000 births, 63,000 inpatient stays and one million outpatient visits in Iowa’s hospitals. Medicaid is crucial for hospitals, providing essential funding that ensures access to healthcare for Iowans who might otherwise be unable to afford it.”
At the same time, the resolution does not prevent Congress from moving forward with targeted efforts to root out fraud, waste, and abuse in these programs—ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and benefits go to those truly in need.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, expected recoveries and receivables from fraud-related investigations totaled more than $7.1 billion in fiscal year 2024 alone. Multiple independent watchdogs have found deep and persistent fraud within government healthcare programs:
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported an improper payment rate of 5.09% for Medicaid in FY2024, equating to $31.1 billion in improper payments.
- The Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates that between FY2018 and FY2022, between $233 billion and $521 billion was lost to fraud across benefit programs including Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security.
“At the same time, government watchdogs estimate that upwards of $500 billion was lost to benefit and Social Security fraud between 2018 and 2022,” said Rep. Nunn. “Every dollar lost to an improper payment or a criminal scamming the system takes resources away from Iowans who need these programs to put food on the table or access healthcare. The mission we have in front of us in the budget process is to find and eliminate fraud while protecting benefits for those who deserve them. President Trump has endorsed this vision, and I’m proud to fight for it in Congress.”
The Defending Medicaid and SNAP Resolution applies to all reconciliation bills and related amendments or reports considered in the 119th Congress. While protecting the most vulnerable, it preserves Congressional authority to address abuse, reduce improper payments, and enhance program integrity.
Text of the resolution can be found here.
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