Miller-Meeks Delivers $209M for Iowa Hospitals

IOWA – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks has helped deliver a $209 million investment to strengthen rural hospitals across Southeast Iowa through the new $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)—with Iowa becoming the first state in the nation to access these funds.

This initial investment will help stabilize small-town hospitals, expand access to specialty care, and ensure rural communities are not left behind.

"Access to high-quality healthcare shouldn’t depend on your zip code," said Dr. Miller-Meeks. “We are delivering on the promise to keep our rural hospitals open, staffed, and equipped with the best technology available. As a physician, I know what this means: Stronger hospitals, increased workforce, technological advancements providing better care, and ensuring that no Iowan is left behind because of where they live."

Congresswoman Miller-Meeks, a physician and former state health director, spent the past year meeting with hospital leaders and advocating at the federal level to ensure Iowa was prioritized for this historic investment.

To read the full article from the Iowa Field Report click HERE

Background:

The Working Families Tax Cuts fully funded the first-of-its-kind $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, with Iowa receiving $209,040,064 to date.

To ensure these resources are deployed effectively, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks has worked directly with hospitals, patients, and state and federal leaders, including:

• In August & September 2025, Miller-Meeks hosted roundtables with hospital leaders across Southeast Iowa to gather input and advocate for targeted relief.
• In October 2025, Miller-Meeks led the Iowa delegation in sending a letter to Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa HHS Director Larry Johnson expressing strong support for the Rural Health Transformation Program and outlining several guiding principles for consideration as Iowa prepares its application.
• In November 2025, Miller-Meeks led the Iowa Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz showing strong support of Iowa’s application for the program.
• In April 2026, Miller-Meeks hosted a roundtable with 13 hospital leaders in Washington County to get direct input from hospitals to make sure this investment strengthens rural hospitals, expands access, and delivers better care across Iowa.

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