Some cancer patients, survivors say new ownership of clinics in Iowa leads to higher costs

DES MOINES, Iowa —

Some Des Moines-metro area cancer patients and survivors say they’re experiencing higher costs for oncology care after the University of Iowa Health Care acquired an organization known for providing services.

In late 2024, UI Health Care acquired Mission . Mission is an organization with more than 20 community clinics with physicians providing oncology care located across Iowa.

For years, breast cancer survivor Theresa Agey received care from Mission.

“My cancer specifically was hormone-driven, so I now get a monthly injection,” said Theresa Agey. “Basically, it suppresses all of my hormones—so estrogen, progesterone—so that my cancer does return because that is what my cancer was feeding off of.”

Agey has been receiving the injection for seven years through Missi