Effective State Exchange Key to Lower Health Costs for Iowa Consumers

Iowa PIRG

Des Moines, IA – The most effective way for Iowa’s policy-makers to address rising health care costs is by implementing a strong and independent health insurance exchange, according to the first in a new series of policy briefs released today by consumer advocacy group Iowa PIRG.

“Iowa leaders have the flexibility to craft an exchange that enhances choice and competition,” said Sonia Ashe, Iowa PIRG’s Advocate, “We hope to inform that process as bills are being drafted and ensure that the public interest is protected.”

Today’s brief, which is the first in a series of seven that the organization plans to release, details steps policy-makers can take to ensure that the exchange is accountable to the public and operates in the best interests of consumers and businesses.

“To succeed, this new health insurance marketplace must be run by and for Iowa businesses and consumers, not by and for special interests,” said Ashe.

The remainder of the series will focus on creating an optimal state health insurance exchange, where consumers and small business can pool their buying power to leverage greater efficiency and lower health costs from insurers.

According to Ashe, “States from Utah to Massachusetts have embraced the idea of competitive exchanges. We here in Iowa need to put the politics behind us and work together to rein in rising health care costs and build an exchange that works for us.”

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Iowa PIRG, part of the federation of state Public Interest Research Groups, is a non-profit, non-partisan public interest advocacy organization. For more information, visit http://www.iowapirg.org.