Dr. Miller-Meeks Joins Iowa Delegation in Push for More Rural Health Care Funding

October 6, 2026 Press Release IOWA – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) joined the Iowa congressional delegation in urging Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz to support Iowa’s latest funding request through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), known as Healthy Hometowns. The program, created through the Working Families Tax Cuts law, has already delivered $209 million to strengthen rural health care across Iowa in its first year. “Iowa’s rural communities deserve access to high-quality health care close to home, and we are already seeing these investments make a difference,” said Dr. Miller-Meeks . “As a doctor and a representative of rural Iowa, I will continue fighting to bring more resources home, strengthen our rural health care workforce, and make sure Iowans can get the care they need without having to travel hours from home.” In addition to Miller-Meeks, the letter was signed by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Randy Feenstra (IA-04). “In January, Iowa became the first state in the nation to award Rural Health Transformation Program funding as part of its Healthy Hometowns initiative, and it has ensured resources are going directly to rural communities, not bureaucrats. In year one of the program, Iowa’s $209 million federal investment is improving cancer prevention and treatment, workforce recruitment and retention, chronic disease care, and maternal and child health,” the members wrote. “As we each travel throughout Iowa, visiting hospitals, health centers, clinics, and more, we witness firsthand how these investments are making a difference toward the health, well-being, and quality of life in rural communities. During your visit to the University of Iowa in May, you learned how our state is using telehealth and a hub-and-spoke model to increase access to care and improve health outcomes in our rural communities,” the members continued. The members noted how communities across Iowa are already benefiting from these federal investments, including through the following six projects: Mahaska Health in Oskaloosa is purchasing a new PET/CT system with cardiac imaging capability and recruiting an OB/GYN and a general surgeon physician assistant. Washington County Hospital in Washington is purchasing a new CT scanner that is improving diagnostic capabilities and patient outcomes. Lucas County Health Center in Chariton is purchasing its first-ever MRI machine to bring early detection cancer screenings to residents. North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City is purchasing a new robotic bronchoscopy system that detects lung cancer earlier than previously possible. Sioux Center Health in Sioux Center is expanding prenatal care through a new regional maternal health coordinator. Wayne County Hospital in Corydon is standing up a radiation oncology center and will be serving as a combat cancer health hub. Background Dr. Miller-Meeks has been a strong advocate for expanding access to health care in rural Iowa. She has held three roundtables focused on the Rural Health Transformation Program, bringing together Iowa health care providers and stakeholders to discuss how the program can strengthen rural health care and expand access. Miller-Meeks also raised the need for additional rural health resources directly with CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz during his visit to Iowa. Iowa’s timely and proactive implementation of its Rural Health Transformation Program could position the state to receive additional funding if other states do not utilize their available resources. To read the full letter to CMS, click HERE . Issues : Health