DES MOINES, I.A. (KELO.com) – Changes to social services, including Medicaid and food and nutrition programs like SNAP, have Iowans who rely on those services on edge. In some cases, several programs work together to help parents provide for their families.
Sara Shiltz, a convenience store assistant manager and a mother of three, said Early Head Start and Child Care Assistance have helped her maintain reliable childcare while working full time. SNAP helps her feed her children.
She pointed out Medicaid has covered surgeries for her daughter, who was born with a cleft lip and palate, which require special medical attention.
“All the therapies and other medical care that she needs without denying the care so far. Without Medicaid, our family would face hardship. Medicaid ultimately allowed me to take care of her and her needs,” Shiltz explained. Shiltz relies on SNAP and Medicaid but worries further cuts could harm her family.
Since the imposition of the Trump administration’s budget bill, the number of Iowa SNAP recipients has dropped by about 21,000.
The administration has said it is trying to right-size social service spending, increase accountability and stop potential abuse.
For Shiltz, the changes and potential Medicaid restrictions are personal and go beyond taking care of her children.
“I am also a recovering drug addict, so Medicaid also pays for me to see a therapist, to go to treatment. I graduated treatment. I get to live life sober because of Medicaid and it still provides that security of my soberness,” Shiltz stressed.
Starting next month, Iowans who receive Medicaid benefits will be required to work 80 hours a month or prove they are looking for work, with some exceptions.
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