Nunn, Iowa Delegation Push for Continued Rural Health Care Investment

DES MOINES, IA - Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) joined Iowa's congressional delegation in urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to fully consider Iowa's request for a second year of Rural Health Transformation Funding. This new phase of funding would build on the initial $209 million awarded in 2026 to strengthen rural healthcare statewide.

"Where you live shouldn't determine whether you can get the health care you need," said Rep. Nunn . "That's why we fought to bring $209 million back to Iowa to strengthen rural health care. In Wayne County, that means a patient fighting cancer can get treatment close to home instead of spending hours on the road - near the family and neighbors helping them through it. That's the difference these investments can make. Rural hospitals have been asking for this support for years, and now they're putting it to work for their patients. I'm urging CMS to keep that progress going for Iowa's rural communities next year."

The Rural Health Transformation Program was established through the Working Families Tax Cuts, which invested a historic $50 billion over five years to strengthen rural health care nationwide. This year, Iowa led the nation as the first state to roll out these funds, delivering grants to 58 awardees for rural healthcare worker recruitment, 42 awardees for new medical equipment, and five for new Combat Cancer Health Hubs, along with investments in chronic disease prevention and maternal and child health.

Four of Iowa's five Combat Cancer Health Hubs are located in the Third District: Wayne County Hospital in Corydon, Ottumwa Regional Health Center, Greater Regional Medical Center, and Shenandoah Medical Center. These hubs will build regional cancer care networks to expand treatment access in rural communities. Together with other investments through the Rural Health Transformation Program, these funds will help rural health care providers expand services through new medical equipment, workforce recruitment, telehealth, and partnerships with other providers.

The delegation's letter highlights the immense progress already underway across Iowa's healthcare system and urges CMS to give the state's fiscal year 2027 Rural Health Transformation Program funding request full and fair consideration to continue this historic investment.

A copy of the letter can be found here .

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