(Atlantic, IA) – Iowa Rep. Senator Charles Grassley stopped in Atlantic this (Thursday) afternoon, for a brief tour of Cass Health, and to answer questions posed by members of the hospital staff and others.

Grassley was introduced by Cass Health CEO Brett Altman, who asked him – with regard to this being Grassley’s 46th 99-County Tour of Iowa, what his proudest accomplishments have been. Grassley responded he’s always attempted to make sure government spending isn’t wasteful, with regard to oversight and “checks and balances.”

He said “whistleblowers” who know something’s wrong, come to him for help, because he “protects them and follow-up” on the information they give him.

Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) speaks before medical professionals at CCHS in Atlantic, 2-19-26) – Ric Hanson/photo

Grassley said also, he championed the wind energy tax credit, but acknowledged that’s not so popular anymore.

He was asked about the cancer rates in Iowa, noting that Cass County has the highest cancer rate of all 99 counties in the State. Grassley said people tend to blame farmers for the chemicals they use and the nitrate runoff into rivers and streams. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. he says injects emotion into the equation of laws and regulation, and that “Sound Science,” is the answer.

During his visit to CCHS, he was asked about the 340-B Drug Reimbursement Program, Cardiac rehab and Pulmonary Rehab reimbursement rates, which he was told, were different ($125 for cardiac rehab, and $53-$ for pulmonary rehab). With regard to that, Grassley said there’s no good answer for the rural areas, but instead of legislation to regulate reimbursement, that’s something that should be worked out between CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and Primary Care Medical Providers…people who are not politicians.