BETTENDORF, IOWA (October 12, 2026) — More than two dozen Quad Cities health care agencies have come together through Stay Covered Stay Healthy QC, a community coalition focused on helping residents and organizations navigate upcoming changes to Medicaid.
The coalition unveiled the new Stay Covered Stay Healthy QC website today during a community webinar. The resource provides a central place for Quad Cities residents and organizations to find information and resources related to the upcoming changes.
The coalition's focus is straightforward: Help people understand what is changing, know where to find information and assistance, and retain access to benefits for which they are eligible.
A united Quad Cities response
Stay Covered Stay Healthy QC brings together more than two dozen health care agencies across the Quad Cities to coordinate resources and help the community prepare for upcoming changes to Medicaid. The coalition is focused on keeping residents informed so they can understand changes and retain access to benefits, while helping health care and community organizations prepare to support those who may be affected.
United Way Quad Cities convened the coalition in its role as a community uniter, bringing organizations together around its commitment to advancing health and ensuring Quad Cities residents have access to the care they need to thrive.
Coalition members have been working together to consider the local impact of Medicaid coverage changes, the capacity of organizations to assist with Medicaid applications and appeals, and which people served by local organizations may be most affected.
Why this matters in the Quad Cities
Approximately 51,000 Quad Cities residents are enrolled in Medicaid, including approximately 45,500 people under age 65, according to data reviewed by the coalition.
Because the Quad Cities span Iowa and Illinois, residents may encounter different timelines and requirements depending on where they live and their individual Medicaid circumstances.
Coalition materials identify the following implementation timelines:
- Iowa is scheduled to begin implementation December 1, 2026.
- Illinois is scheduled to begin implementation January 1, 2027.
For residents who are affected, understanding what is changing, what action may be required, and where to find assistance can be critical to maintaining access to coverage.
The coalition is also focused on helping the local organizations that serve residents prepare for an increase in questions and requests for assistance. Coalition discussions have included how organizations can build capacity to help with Medicaid applications and appeals, and coordinate information across the community.
One resource for residents and organizations
The new Stay Covered Stay Healthy QC website is designed to serve both individuals and the organizations that support them.
Residents can use the website to find information about upcoming Medicaid changes and resources that may help them understand what the changes mean for their circumstances.
Health care and community organizations can use the site as a shared resource when helping residents navigate questions about Medicaid coverage, applications and appeals.
The coalition will continue to coordinate information and resources as implementation moves forward in Iowa and Illinois.
Visit the Stay Covered Stay Healthy QC website:
www.unitedwayqc.org/healthy-qc/.
About Stay Covered Stay Healthy QC
Stay Covered Stay Healthy QC brings together more than two dozen health-care agencies across the Quad Cities to coordinate resources and help the community prepare for upcoming changes to Medicaid. The coalition is focused on keeping residents informed so they can understand changes and retain access to benefits, while helping health-care and community organizations prepare to support those who may be affected. United Way Quad Cities convened the coalition in its role as a community uniter, bringing organizations together around its commitment to advancing health and ensuring Quad Cities residents have access to the care they need to thrive.
