Bill to better reimburse community health services will improve outcomes

I am writing to emphasize a critical issue impacting Iowa communities — the need for more Community Health Workers (CHWs). Strengthening the presence of CHWs is crucial to proactively address ongoing health challenges.

CHWs play a vital role in linking health care providers with the communities they serve, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Research studies highlight the effectiveness of CHW programs, with a notable $2.47 return for every dollar invested. Lastly, CHW programs can play a pivotal role in managing and enhancing health conditions prevalent in Iowa, including asthma, hypertension, diabetes, mental health conditions, and chronic diseases.

Despite these benefits, there is a significant lack of government funding and support for CHW programs in Iowa. While Congress has allocated resources to CHWs in response to the pandemic, Iowa lags behind neighboring Midwestern states in expanding Medicaid coverage.

An upcoming Congressional bill aims to improve reimbursement for CHW services under Medicare and Medicaid, recognizing their role in enhancing health care quality, accessibility, and culturally responsive care, while also being cost-effective. This initiative has the potential to save Medicaid thousands of dollars per patient annually.

To contribute to better health outcomes for Iowans, I urge U.S. Rep. Miller-Meeks and Senators Grassley and Ernst to support this Community Health Workers bill.

Brinda Vittal

Iowa City