Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has joined other GOP state attorneys general in supporting Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s request to purge suspected noncitizen voters from its rolls, a move that is currently being challenged in court. The federal appeals court recently upheld a ruling that restored the registrations of these voters, leading to a legal battle over the removals.
Bird argues that federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting and that the federal government should work with states to verify the legal status of registered voters. The Department of Justice and immigrant rights groups have sued to block the removals, citing the National Voter Registration Act.
In other news, the Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period begins on Friday, allowing Iowans to enroll in, renew, or change health plans under the Affordable Care Act coverage provisions. Those who need assistance can use the Iowa Navigator program, which helps individuals select a plan and apply for financial assistance to make insurance more affordable.
The Navigator program, funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, has hired eight navigators in Iowa to provide in-person enrollment assistance in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Sioux City. The program has received $1.25 million per year for the next five years to assist individuals in finding the right insurance plan.
Coverage can start as early as January 1 for those who enroll by December 15, with assistance available for individuals to navigate the enrollment process and apply for financial aid. The program aims to ensure that Iowans have access to affordable healthcare coverage during the open enrollment period running from November 1 to January 15.
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