ICYMI: Grassley, Miller-Meeks Op-Ed: Republicans Are Expanding Access to Primary Care in Iowa

October 27, 2026 Press Release BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) wrote an op-ed published in The Hawk Eye highlighting how Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts Act is expanding access to primary care in communities across Iowa. The lawmakers specifically highlight improved access to a new and growing field of medicine called direct primary care (DPC). We worked hard for Iowans to pass the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that prevented the largest tax increase in American history. The law is putting more money back into the pocketbooks of seniors and families. The law also expanded access to primary care in communities across Iowa. As a result, Iowa families have better access to a new and growing field of medicine called direct primary care (DPC). DPC is locally-delivered, patient-centered primary care. It puts the patient and the doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner at the center of care instead of insurance companies and middlemen. DPC was enabled under state law in 2018 and further protected in 2026 . Now, thanks to the Republican Working Families Tax Cuts Act , Iowa families can use their health savings accounts (HSAs) to improve access to primary care. DPC is a simpler way to get routine physicals, urgent care, and other primary care services. Consumers pay a monthly subscription and get access to a primary care provider they pick. Through this relationship, patients can communicate directly with their provider and typically get same-day or next-day service instead of waiting days or weeks to get care. Patients establish a relationship with a health care provider and utilize their services as often as they want without paying more. Patients typically pay a monthly flat fee. Thanks to the new tax law, families can use tax-free money, through their HSA or flexible spending account (FSA), to pay for a membership-based model of care that lets them choose a primary care provider of their choice and gain access to a suite of care options under this direct primary care service arrangement . More and more health care providers prefer this direct primary care relationship with the patient because they can spend more time with a patient instead of dealing with paperwork and insurance company approvals. Across Iowa, direct primary care providers are opening their doors and growing in rural communities and suburban areas. We know that when patients have access to timely and high-quality primary care, they have better health outcomes and live longer . Thanks to the Republican Working Families Tax Cuts Act , more patients are accessing direct primary care to get better, more timely healthcare. To read the op-ed from Rep. Miller-Meeks and Sen. Grassley Click HERE . Issues : Health