Rural Health Care Policy

Rural Advocacy is fighting for healthy people, healthy communities, and a healthy environment.  We believe that the State of Iowa can spend tax payer money more effectively by investing public resources in and focusing public policy towards initiatives that prevent illness, mortality, disability, and mental health problems among Iowa rural population.

Legislative Information
The most recent legislative summary is posted at http://www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/legislative_updates.asp
The Legislative and Regulatory Agenda for the National Rural Health Association is posted here .
The Legislative Commission on Affordable Health Care Plans for Small Businesses and Families was created by 2007 Iowa Acts, HF 909, section 127. The commission membership consists of 10 legislators, eight members of the public representing various health care and insurance interests appointed by the Legislative Council, five consumers appointed by the Governor, and three state agency directors or their designees to serve as ex officio members. The commission is charged to review, analyze, and make recommendations on a broad spectrum of issues relating to the affordability of health care for Iowans. The commission submitted a final report to the General Assembly for consideration during the 2008 Legislative Session. The report is required to summarize the commission's activities, analyze the issues studied, make recommendations for legislative reforms that will make health insurance coverage more affordable for small businesses and families, and include other information deemed by the commission to be relevant and necessary. The legislation also created a Health Care Data Research Advisory Council to assist the commission.  

Lt. Governor’s Commission on Wellness and Healthy Living
Lt. Governor Patty Judge created her Commission on Wellness and Healthy Living in June, 2007.  This commission brought together Iowans from all walks of life to begin a conversation on ways to reduce chronic disease and give thousands of Iowans a new lease on life.  Their work was compiled in a final report , which was presented to the Lt. Governor in October, 2007.  Based on their recommendations, the Lt. Governor released the following proposals for improving wellness in Iowa.