By Jesse Russell

The union representing home child care providers in Iowa is seeking health insurance for its 5,500 members. Because they are not state workers, they won’t be able to buy into the state health insurance plan, something the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees hopes to change with legislation. In the meantime, AFSCME is hoping to find a different route to health insurance as the organization negotiates with the Iowa Department of Human Services. Potentially the state could work with the providers to find private insurance or federal grants. Negotiations continue this weekend.