A recent study from the Iowa Department of Public Health finds that in order to ensure that every Iowan has access to health care, at least 250 more providers are needed in underserved communities around the state. Due to the poor distribution of doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and midwives in Iowa, the report estimates that nearly 242,000 Iowans will be without reliable access to care by 2015.

“While Iowa works hard on expanding health insurance coverage, it is also important to ensure that our state has an adequate number of professionals to provide appropriate care,” said Iowa Department of Public Health Director Tom Newton. “Ensuring access to routine and preventive care will result in lives saved, improved quality of life and reduced medical costs.

According to ACCESS Transformed: Building a Primary Care Workforce for the 21st Century, most of Iowa’s health care access problems could be reduced by further development of the health care workforce. The study, conducted by the National Association of Community Health Centers in partnership with the Robert Graham Center, and George Washington University, recommends:

  • Expansion of educational and training opportunities for current and future health care professionals;
  • Providing incentives for health care professionals in underserved areas through initiatives such as loan repayment and loan forgiveness programs; and
  • Higher reimbursement rates for providing health care to the uninsured and underinsured.