Iowa continues to be the best place in the nation to be kid when it comes to health care, according to a new report by the Commonwealth Fund, a health research foundation.

The State Scorecard on Child Health System Performance looks at such factors as children’s health care access, affordability, prevention and treatment, and the potential to lead healthy lives.

This report found that Iowa’s health care for kids is second to none. Our innovative efforts, particularly in prevention and greater access to care, make Iowa a model for the nation. And we keep getting better. Iowa recently was awarded $6.8 million from the federal government for cutting red tape for families applying for children’s health insurance.

Earlier this year, some health insurance companies announced steep rate hikes. At a time when Iowa families and local businesses are cutting back, the Legislature quickly stepped in to get answers, seek justification and find solutions.

We passed an insurance company accountability plan that gives Iowans more information about health insurance plans and premium increases. When an insurer applies for a rate increase, they must notify policyholders of all factors that make the rate increase necessary.