South Iowa News

Representative Zach Nunn, serving Iowa's 3rd District, has introduced legislation designed to safeguard Medicaid and SNAP benefits for vulnerable residents of Iowa. This initiative was announced following a visit to the MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, where Nunn discussed with doctors the significant role these programs play in supporting Iowa families.

The proposed Defending Medicaid and SNAP Resolution aims to prevent any reductions to these critical services through the budget reconciliation process. These services provide essential healthcare and nutrition to seniors, children, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities.

Nunn emphasized the importance of defending Medicaid and SNAP, stating, "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." He also noted the necessity of ensuring that "D.C. cuts do not impact vulnerable Iowans."

The resolution seeks to establish a new rule in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 119th Congress, prohibiting the consideration of reconciliation bills that would decrease Medicaid or SNAP enrollment or benefits for the most vulnerable groups, which includes individuals 19 and under, those aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities.

Chris Mitchell, President and CEO of the Iowa Hospital Association, expressed support for Nunn's efforts: "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." Mitchell highlighted Medicaid's impact by covering "more than 13,000 births, 63,000 inpatient stays and one million outpatient visits in Iowa's hospitals" in the past fiscal year.

Although the resolution ensures protection for the most vulnerable, it leaves room for Congress to tackle fraud and misuse within these programs. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General stated that over $7.1 billion were recovered from fraud-related investigations in fiscal year 2024 alone. Rep. Nunn pointed out the persistent issue of fraud, saying, "upwards of $500 billion was lost to benefit and Social Security fraud between 2018 and 2022."

Emphasizing fiscal responsibility, Nunn remarked, "Every dollar lost to an improper payment or a criminal scamming the system takes resources away from Iowans who need these programs." He highlighted the mission to "find and eliminate fraud while protecting benefits for those who deserve them," and he mentioned that President Trump has endorsed this approach.

The resolution applies to all reconciliation bills and related amendments or reports considered in the 119th Congress, aiming to protect the vulnerable while allowing Congress to address abuse, reduce improper payments, and enhance program integrity.

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