U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) submitted questions for the record to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., on April 22 regarding rural health care access, prescription drug costs, and ongoing federal oversight efforts.
The issues raised by Grassley focus on improving health care for Iowans, addressing administrative burdens for providers, and ensuring accountability in federal programs. His inquiries seek updates from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) about efforts to lower drug prices, fully utilize the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program under Medicare, reduce prior authorization paperwork for providers, and improve fraud risk assessments in Obamacare subsidies.
Grassley said he has long advocated for better use of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program: “For years at these Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) budget hearings, I have asked the HHS Secretary to fully utilize the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration under Medicare. The program had been underutilized for too long.” He also asked if the administration would support reauthorizing this program.
In his questions to Kennedy, Grassley addressed allegations that United Network for Organ Sharing spent $20 million on meetings in one year and deleted records during a data transfer: “What’s the status of HRSA’s investigation into this alleged deletion of records and has there been any accountability for the excessive spending? Will you commit to providing my office with all requested records?”
Grassley highlighted recent legislative actions including his Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act—which simplifies out-of-state pediatric provider enrollment—and discussed CMS modernization work necessary to implement it effectively. He said: “On February 3, President Trump signed into law…the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act. This law will simplify the out-of-state specialized pediatric provider enrollment process so kids with complex medical needs can get…specialized health care they need in a timely manner while still maintaining safeguards…in Medicaid.” He further pressed CMS about financial relief estimates from proposed rules aimed at reducing prior authorization burdens.
According to the official website, Grassley assists Iowans with matters involving federal agencies and whistleblowers; he is married since 1954 with five children; earned degrees in political science from University of Northern Iowa; served in Iowa’s state legislature from 1958-1974; brings experience as a factory worker; and is one of only two farmers currently serving in the Senate who actively raises corn and soybeans in Butler County.
Grassley’s letter also referenced ongoing concerns over unaccompanied migrant children under current administration policies as well as reports of fraud within Minnesota’s federal programs. As part of his oversight role—bolstered by legislation like his Fraud Risk Assessment of Obamacare Subsidies Accountability Act—he seeks annual updates on anti-fraud practices used by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Broader implications include potential changes affecting rural hospitals’ viability across Iowa as well as nationwide reforms targeting pharmacy benefit managers responsible for negotiating prescription drug prices. Grassley’s continued engagement signals ongoing scrutiny over both cost containment measures within public insurance programs and protection against waste or abuse.
