American Lung Association Disappointed in the Passage of Bill that Could Cut Medicaid for Iowans

The American Lung Association is disappointed with the Iowa Senate’s passing of SF 615, a measure that threatens the health insurance of the poorest Iowans. SF 615, which passed by a 33-15 vote, calls for cutting Medicaid expansion if burdensome work reporting requirements are not approved by the federal government. This could take away quality, affordable healthcare coverage for 180,000 Iowa residents.

Kristina Hamilton, Iowa Advocacy Director for the American Lung Association, is deeply concerned with the language in SF 615 and issued this statement in response to the passage:

“Medicaid expansion has been a critical tool in providing thousands of our neighbors with the coverage they need to prevent, detect, and treat chronic conditions like asthma and COPD. Iowa Medicaid was expanded by bipartisan action over a decade ago and has served as the foundation for a healthy, prosperous state as well as a lifeline for many workers, veterans, and our rural hospitals.

Passage of SF 615 includes language that could jeopardize the health of countless Iowans being treated for lung disease, as well as thousands of residents who rely on Medicaid to access cancer prevention and early detection services, such as lung cancer screening. We urge members of the Iowa House to amend SF 615 and protect thousands of Iowans from losing the only affordable health care option available to them.”