Harkin says new plan will help the underinsured

Thousands of un-insured and under-insured Iowans will have better access to health care and dental care under a new federal plan. Iowa Senator Tom Harkin says the money will be pumped into several corners of the state to improve the lives of lower-income Iowans.The two million dollars will be awarded to community health centers in Davenport, Sioux City and Waterloo. A grant is also being awarded to lay the foundation for a new community health center in southeastern Iowa.As of 1998, Iowa’s community health centers were serving more than 66-thousand people, almost half of whom had no health insurance.There are now six centers — in Council Bluffs, Davenport, Sioux City, Waterloo, and two in Des Moines, while a 7th is planned to open next month in Ottumwa. Today’s grant should provide for an 8th center to serve the Muscatine, Burlington and Keokuk area.