Speakers Back Bill Seeking Medicaid Expansion
by Associated Press
February 11, 2013 1:18 PM
Speakers at a packed legislative hearing spoke in favor of a Democratic proposal to expand Medicaid in Iowa.
All those who testified Monday at the human resources subcommittee favored the legislation, which would broaden state eligibility requirements for Medicaid and add up to 150,000 Iowans to the program.
Medicaid covers low-income residents, including children and the disabled. President Barack Obama's health care overhaul provides funding to states that expand Medicaid.
Democratic Sen. Pam Jochum, of Dubuque, says lawmakers of both parties agree that a more limited program, called IowaCare, isn't effectively serving low-income residents.
Senate Democrats have backed expansion of Medicaid, but Gov. Terry Branstad says he doesn't trust in federal guarantees to pay the increased costs.
The subcommittee will hold another hearing on the proposal later this month.
