The recent acquisition of Mission Cancer + Blood by University of Iowa Health Care (UI Health) has sparked a heated debate about the rising costs of healthcare in Iowa. While UI Health leaders touted the benefits of this merger, such as improved care in rural areas, the reality is that patients are now facing significantly higher bills for routine clinic services. This development highlights a broader trend in the healthcare industry, where large hospital systems acquiring independent clinics often result in increased costs for patients.
One of the primary reasons for this surge in costs is the inclusion of hospital facility fees in the billing. These fees cover staffing, equipment, and overhead, which can significantly drive up the price of routine care. This is particularly concerning given the financial struggles of many Americans, who are already grappling with rising healthcare premiums, stagnant wages, and inflation. According to the Federal Reserve Board's survey, 26% of adults skipped medical expenses in 2025 due to cost, and almost 40% cannot afford an unexpected $400 medical expense without selling assets or borrowing money.
The situation in Iowa is particularly alarming, as the state has the second-highest cancer rate in the country. The acquisition of Mission Cancer + Blood by UI Health, a tax-exempt state institution, has raised concerns about the affordability of cancer care. The author, Lee Rood, personally experienced this issue when they received a bill for $1,991 for a routine blood test and office visit, more than four times the previous year's cost.
The higher rates charged by networks owned by hospitals have prompted at least nine states to ban charging outpatient facility fees for specified procedures or care settings. In Iowa, the situation is further complicated by the fact that the state's largest cancer network is now billing patients much higher rates for routine services. This is particularly disturbing given that UI Health's mission is not to generate profit but to serve the community through clinical care, education, and research.
The author's experience with Mission Cancer + Blood is not an isolated incident. Many patients have been complaining about the higher charges since UI Health took over the billing last June. The author's investigation revealed that the higher billing is due to the switch to hospital-based billing, which requires patients to pay out-of-pocket toward their deductible. This has led to significant increases in costs for many patients, including the author, who had to pay more than 5½ times the old $50 deductible.
The author's personal experience and investigation into the higher billing at Mission Cancer + Blood have raised important questions about the affordability of cancer care in Iowa. The situation highlights the need for legislators to address the affordability of cancer care and limit hospital rates for outpatient care. The author concludes by emphasizing that a promise of better care does not mean much if folks cannot afford it, and calls for action to ensure that cancer care remains accessible and affordable for all Iowans.
