Advocate For Us

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.

There is Strength in Numbers

Advocacy is a team effort. Whether you're contacting legislators, sharing personal stories, or simply spreading 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 Top Advocacy Priority: Save Medicaid 

Proposed Medicaid budget cuts could have devastating impacts to intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) services - and for Iowa as a whole, including:

• Reduced provider rates and essential services due to cost-shifting to states
• Increased waitlists and risk of institutionalization by targeting Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
• Critical loss of independence and daily supports for individuals with I/DD
• Worsening of the existing direct support workforce crisis

However, Medicaid Is Not Just for Individuals With Disabilities

Medicaid is a lifeline for over 800,000 Iowans — including children, seniors, and individuals with complex health needs. It covers:

• Hospital and physician care
• Mental health and home health services
• Nursing home care (Medicaid supports more than 50% of Iowa nursing home residents)
• Family planning, hospice care, and so much more

Any one of us could need Medicaid. Accidents and health crises don’t discriminate.

How You Can Take Action

• Make Your Voice Heard – Contact congress and Iowa legislators urging them to protect Medicaid and encourage others to do the same! 
• Support Funding Gaps – Help bridge Medicaid funding gaps and ensure continued access to essential services. Support our mission.
• Stay Informed - Sign up for our electronic newsletter by clicking below and follow us on social media: LinkedIn  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram
• Wear Your Support –  Shop our advocacy apparel that spreads the message and supports our cause. Visit our store.

---

Looking Ahead

At EPI, we’re committed to building a future rooted in equity, dignity, and full inclusion. But we can’t do it alone. With your voice and support, we’re making a real impact — one conversation, one action, one policy at a time.

Let’s protect Medicaid. Let’s protect our community.

Resources for All:

• EPI's Publications and Reports: Explore our latest newsletters and reports to stay updated on our initiatives and the impact of our services.
• Follow EPI's Legislative Watch Blog: Stay up to date on key policy changes affecting disability services, Medicaid, child care and more.
• Find your Elected Officials:
  • Iowa Legislators: Identify and contact your state representatives 
  • Federal Legislators: Locate and reach out to your federal representatives

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:

• Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral - Learn what your community can do to support child care and ensure families have access to quality opportunities
• Iowa Child Care Coalition - stay informed on statewide efforts to strengthen child care policies and support providers and their communities