River Bend Times

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa's 1st District led a letter to Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Director Larry Johnson, voicing support for the Rural Health Transformation Program. The initiative is intended to address the challenges rural Iowans face in accessing health care.

“The Rural Health Transformation Program marks the largest investment in rural health care in our nation’s history,” said Miller-Meeks. “It ensures rural communities aren’t left behind as our health system evolves. For too long, rural Americans have faced serious challenges accessing timely, reliable care, this program will strengthen hospitals, support health care providers, and expand access to quality care in Iowa, and across the country.”

Miller-Meeks’ letter emphasized that Iowa is among the most rural states in the country, with nearly two-thirds of its counties classified as rural. Many residents live more than 30 miles from a hospital or specialist.

"Rural communities form the backbone of Iowa’s economy and culture, yet too many Iowans continue to face serious barriers to accessing timely and reliable health care. Iowa is among the most rural states in the nation, with nearly two-thirds of its counties classified as rural and a large share of residents living more than 30 miles from a hospital or specialist."

The letter continued:

"No state better represents the purpose of the Rural Health Transformation Program—ensuring that truly rural Americans are not left behind in the modern health system. This program represents the most significant federal investment in rural health in our nation’s history and presents an important opportunity for Iowa to lead in developing a sustainable, high-quality model of rural care."

The delegation outlined several principles they believe should guide Iowa's application for funding: directing funds to authentically rural areas; restoring and expanding essential services; strengthening Iowa’s rural health workforce; advancing innovative care models; and ensuring transparency and accountability.

Mariannette Miller-Meeks has served as U.S. Representative for Iowa’s 1st District since 2021 after previously serving in the Iowa Senate from 2019 to 2021. She was born in Herlong, California, in 1955 and currently resides in Le Claire.

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