Incredible to see surgical robot in Decorah

Over the weekend, I got the chance to visit with physicians and clinic employees at the Winneshiek Medical Center with USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, Glen Smith.

Rep. Ashley Hinson meets with officials in Decorah to see a new surgical robot. Courtesy of the Office of Ashley Hinson It was incredible to see their new surgical robot up and running right here in Decorah. I was proud to secure $700,000 to help WinnMed upgrade its surgical facilities, bring in new technology, and recruit more surgeons.

Your zip code shouldn’t determine the quality of healthcare you receive, and this is exactly the kind of investment that helps keep high-quality care close to home. The status quo of healthcare is unacceptable, and I’m working to lower premium costs and ensure every Iowan can access quality care in their communities.

I’m so grateful to the entire WinnMed team for the exceptional care they provide to Iowans, and I’m excited to see this investment making a real difference for patients.

Casework wins Helping Iowans navigate the federal government is an important part of my job. When a constituent runs into a problem with a federal agency, it’s up to my team to get to the bottom of it and find a solution.

After her foster parent passed away, a young Iowan was eligible to receive money through Social Security once she turned 18. When that time came, she reached out to the Social Security Administration and was left with no answers or information. My team contacted Social Security and got the agency to release the funds.

An Iowa veteran received a bill for an urgent care visit for strep throat that should have been covered by the VA. He had completed the necessary paperwork at the clinic, but the bill had not been paid. My team contacted the Veterans Health Administration to review the issue, and shortly after gathering the information, the agency approved payment and covered the veteran’s urgent care bill.

A nonprofit contacted my office after its tax bill more than doubled. My team worked with the Taxpayer Advocate Service to find out why the amount had changed. We discovered that the organization had been incorrectly overcharged, and the IRS soon corrected the error and eliminated the balance owed.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team here if you need assistance.

After the Democrats’ government shutdown closed the Decorah Social Security office, we heard directly from local officials and residents about how much this community relies on its services. After months of relentless advocacy with Social Security leadership, we helped get the doors back open. Leaving this office closed for six months was unacceptable, and I wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

My team recently stopped by and learned that the office is already helping an average of 12 people a day — and more people are finding out it’s back in business each week. Iowans can get help with a range of services close to home, with no appointment necessary. I’ll keep fighting to protect Social Security for our Iowa seniors.

Team Hinson also visited Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon to meet with the new CEO and tour the facility.

One of the hospital’s biggest needs is replacing its more than 20-year-old MRI system. I’m working to help secure nearly $1.2 million in federal funding through my role on the House Appropriations Committee to help replace it and ensure Iowans have the necessary equipment to care for patients.

This funding, as part of the House Appropriations Ag-FDA bill, passed the House this summer, and I’ll keep fighting to get this over the finish line.

Incredible to see surgical robot in Decorah

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