Some county health departments across Iowa are trying to fill the gaps after thousands of refugees lost Medicaid coverage this month. The change could restrict refugees’ access to most kinds of healthcare. In eastern Iowa, the Linn County Health Department has a list of more affordable healthcare options on its website. Cindy Fiester (FEE-ster) with Linn County Health says there are free clinics in Cedar Rapids, and health centers that offer affordable services.
Fiester says it provides primary care, pediatrics and O-B-G-Y-N care. She says refugees should also work with the department’s navigators to apply for other types of health insurance. Juliann Van Liew (LOO), with the Polk County Health Department, says they are working with community partners to create an informal care network.
She says they’re keeping the Polk County Health website updated with information and cheaper healthcare options, and they’re helping local providers figure out what options patients have. Support groups estimate nearly 2,000 refugees in Iowa lost coverage under changes within the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
