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Advocating Today for a Better Tomorrow
As a nonpartisan organization, EPI is committed to advocating for the needs of our community. Whether it’s ensuring access to vital supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) or access to quality child care for families, we work hard to provide timely, accurate information that impacts the lives of Iowans.
There is Strength in Numbers
Advocacy is a team effort. Whether you're contacting legislators, sharing personal stories, or simply raising awareness, every action makes a difference. Together, we can create a more inclusive world — one where opportunity, independence, and the ability to thrive is available to all.
Our Fall 2025 Advocacy Priorities
Protecting Medicaid Access
The FY25 budget includes $930 billion in cuts to Medicaid over the next decade. These cuts threaten essential services, increase waitlists for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), and worsen the direct support workforce crisis. Medicaid is a lifeline for over 800,000 Iowans—including children, older adults, and people with complex health needs. We remain committed to defending this vital program.
Advocate for the HCBS Relief Act
The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Relief Act would provide urgently needed funding to stabilize and strengthen community-based services for people with disabilities. This legislation helps address workforce shortages and ensures individuals can live independently in their communities.
>>> Take action by clicking here.
Support the HEADs UP Act
The Healthcare Extension and Accessibility for Developmentally disabled and Underserved Population (HEADs UP) Act recognizes individuals with I/DD as a medically underserved population—opening doors to better access to care, improved health outcomes, and more inclusive public health strategies.
>>> Support the bipartisan act by clicking here.
Urge Congress to Remove Age Limits on Medicaid Buy-In
Current Medicaid Buy-In rules exclude individuals over age 65, even if they’ve been eligible for services their entire lives. Removing this age cap ensures continuity of care and supports aging individuals with disabilities.
>>> Urge action by clicking here.
Stay Involved
We will monitor the most important advocacy priorities and share with you as any new details emerge. While we know there will be challenges ahead, our commitment to the people we support—and to each of you—remains as strong as ever. Together, we’ll continue moving forward with purpose and resilience.
Resources for All:
I/DD Specific Resources:
- Advocacy Toolkit and the Medicaid Resource Center from our national trade association, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), provides essential guidance on advocating for I/DD
- Policy Priorities Learn more about the latest policy priorities we support from our state trade association Iowa Association of Community Providers (IACP)
- Iowa APSE - Visit the Iowa Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) to explore efforts focused on advancing inclusive employment opportunities
Child Care Specific Resources: