Ashley Hinson’s V0te to Cut Health Care Forces Layoffs at Rural Hospital in Her District

Hinson Said She Was “Proud” of Her Vote for the Biggest Cuts to Medicaid in History

DES MOINES – Today, 34 people were laid off from MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City after Ashley Hinson voted for the biggest cuts to Medicaid in history last summer. Trinity Health said the Republican health care cuts Hinson voted for are one of the reasons for laying off staff across the state.

“Ashley Hinson’s vote for the biggest cuts to Medicaid in history is leaving rural Iowans with shrinking access to essential health care services, all so she could help billionaires get an even bigger break on their taxes,” said Iowa Democratic Party spokesperson Drew Myers. “Voters in November will know it was Hinson that forced them to trek miles to visit a hospital with even fewer resources to treat them.”

ICYMI: KIMT: Nearly 3 dozen employees at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center to be laid off

• Trinity Health is confirming layoffs at three MercyOne locations in Iowa.

• The company is laying off 34 employees at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center and 67 employees at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. Those will take place by March 17. 40 employees will also be laid off at MercyOne in Ottumwa by February 27.

• Trinity Health spokesman Todd Mizener issued the following statement on behalf of the company:

• “[…] Like other health care providers across the country, we are navigating significant challenges, including low reimbursement that doesn’t cover the cost of care, critical clinical staffing shortages, and the escalating costs of drugs, supplies, equipment, and technology.

• [..] The recent and future government funding policy changes are projected to reduce Trinity Health’s annual revenue by $1.5 billion. Additionally, more reductions in coverage, payment and access to Medicaid and Medicare are being considered by the federal government. It is not possible to simply absorb such a significant financial impact without making thoughtful, forward-thinking changes.”

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