Government & External Affairs

The Government & External Affairs team at UnityPoint Health supports the efforts of our health system in the areas of public policy, regulatory affairs, state and federal government relations and community benefit and economic impact.

Our team helps elected officials, government agencies, health and advocacy organizations, media outlets and communities have a clear understanding of UnityPoint Health, our mission and the full spectrum of services we provide, as well as our economic impact on the communities we serve.

Areas of Focus

State and Federal Government Relations

Our department works with and serves as the primary contact with state and federal legislators, elected officials and government agencies to advance the vision, mission and legislative agenda of UnityPoint Health. Working closely with leaders from across UnityPoint Health, we are responsible for developing the health system’s legislative agenda and advocating for successful adoption of the priorities identified.

Regulatory Affairs

Our department works with state and federal agencies and their personnel to advance the vision, mission and strategic initiatives of UnityPoint Health. Working closely with system and regional leaders, we are responsible for developing the health system’s regulatory priorities, including the identification and resolution of regulatory barriers.

Our department serves as the primary liaison for regulatory submissions in response to state and federal rulemaking and public requests for information, as well as communications advocating changes in state and federal policy direction or strategic initiatives. Examples of agencies include the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation, public health and insurance and state licensing boards.

External Affairs, Community Benefit and Economic Impact

Our department is responsible for influencing public policy and opinion, communicating about the health system’s priorities, challenges and achievements and strengthening the reputation of UnityPoint Health. We work to advocate for UnityPoint Health priorities, provide advice on legislative strategy to leadership, build and maintain relationships with legislators and other government officials and raise awareness of emerging issues and opportunities. Additionally, in collaboration with UnityPoint Health regions and business units, our department is responsible for the oversight of developing and executing strategies that meet and accurately reflect the impact on community benefit and economic impact across the health system and the patients and communities we serve.