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Iowa First: A Historic Investment in Rural Health Care

As a physician who has spent decades caring for patients in Iowa, I have seen firsthand what it means when rural communities lack access to quality health care. I have seen patients drive hours for a specialist appointment. I have seen emergency rooms stretched thin. I have seen what happens when the system fails the people who need it most.

That is why what we announced in Muscatine this week is so meaningful to me, not just as a member of Congress, but as a doctor.

Iowa has fully allocated its Year 1 funds from the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, making us the first state in the nation to do so. Of the $209 million Iowa received, every single dollar has been directed toward strengthening our health care system, from cancer research and prevention to workforce development, from hospital grants to new tools that give Iowans transparency into exactly where their money is going.

This did not happen by accident. It happened because Iowa has leadership that takes rural health care seriously, and because we fought in Washington to make sure Iowa had access to these resources from day one.

But securing dollars is only the beginning. The deeper crisis facing rural Iowa is a physician shortage that has been building for decades. Iowa ranks 44th in the nation for its patient-to-physician ratio. That is simply not acceptable.

That is why the announcement of $50 million to expand physician residency programs in Iowa is so critical. The data is clear: doctors are more likely to stay and practice where they complete their residency. I am proof of that. More residency slots in Iowa means more doctors in Iowa, and more doctors in Iowa means more Iowans getting the care they deserve closer to home.

Rural health care is not a talking point for me. It is personal. And I will never stop fighting for it in Congress.

Iowa is leading the way. And we are just getting started.

Representing Iowa's First District

What a visit to the world-famous I-80 Truck Stop in Walcott with Secretary Duffy and Governor Reynolds!

Iowa feeds and fuels the country, and our truckers make it possible. No better place to celebrate them than the world’s largest truck stop.

Big day in Muscatine.

I joined Governor Reynolds to announce the final Year 1 allocations from Iowa’s Rural Health Transformation Program, making Iowa the first state in the nation to finish allocating every dollar. The announcements focused on cancer research and prevention and workforce development, with grants awarded to hospitals across the state. We also celebrated the launch of new Iowa HHS dashboards so Iowans can see exactly where every dollar is going.

We also announced a waiver securing 150 new graduate medical education slots, a major step toward growing Iowa’s health care workforce for years to come.

Proud to have delivered this historic investment in Iowa’s health care future.

Had a wonderful visit to Indianola Helping Hand. Their volunteers show up every single day to make sure Iowans facing food insecurity have food on the table, clothes on their backs, and the essentials they need, serving many families across Warren County.

Grateful for every volunteer and donor who makes this work possible.

Honored to receive the 2026 Cancer Patient Champion Award from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Army of Pink, and Prevent Blindness Iowa.

The Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Act is one of the most important bills I have fought for, because catching cancer early saves lives. Rising rates in Iowa remind us this fight is far from over, and I am not stopping.

Great touring the family-owned Phelps Laundry Plant in Muscatine. Since opening in 1981, Phelps has expanded across the Midwest, providing industrial uniforms, custom apparel, and workplace supply services to businesses throughout the region.

We discussed the company’s continued growth and their commitment to serving Iowa businesses and supporting local jobs.

Here to Help You

As always, my office is here to help.

If you need assistance, don't hesitate to contact us. We've responded to over 100,000 constituent emails, letters, and calls. We’ve also helped over 2,500 people who had issues with a federal agency and, as a result, returned over $5 million to those constituents. If you're having trouble with a federal agency, reach out, and we'll be glad to assist.

My Indianola and Davenport District offices are open and serving constituents. If you have a casework issue or need help with a federal department please call the Indianola Office at (515) 808-6040 and the Davenport Office at (563) 232-0930.

My Washington, D.C. office is open and answering your calls so your voice can be heard. Please feel free to contact us at 202 225-6576.

If you want to stay updated on the work I'm doing, I invite you to visit my website.

You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and YouTube.

Let us know how we can help you with the following agencies and more:

Medicare and Social Security Claims 

My staff has been able to recover tens-of-thousands of dollars for constituents who deserved benefits and did not receive them.

Veterans’ Services

If you are a Veteran, my office can help you navigate the bureaucracy so that you can get the services you deserve. 

Passport Assistance

Reach out to my team for assistance with any issues you might have with your passport.

Tours and Tickets

Let us help you schedule your visit to:

White House 

U.S. Capitol Building 

Supreme Court 

Library of Congress 

FBI Building

Sincerely,

Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

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