All of our member health centers have felt the impact of the economy and growing unemployment rates. In Iowa and Nebraska, the number of uninsured individuals grew last year as did the number of individuals with inadequate insurance. The number of new immigrants with specific cultural and clinical needs also increased in both states.
In these challenging times of identifying ways to reduce Medicaid deficits, we are hopeful you will continue to appreciate the value of our member health centers’ services. During the course of the session, we will be emphasizing to our state policy makers the importance of funding safety net providers. The health center model of preventive care is proven to reduce the emergency room, specialty referral, and inpatient costs for patients.
Thank you for supporting our efforts and for the contribution each of you makes to the communities we serve.
