NEWS / Most populous Iowa County experiencing death certificate delays

Polk County, the most populous county of the state of Iowa, which also houses state capital Des Moines, is experiencing delays with issuing death certificates of over 3 months. According to Polk County Supervisor Matt McCoy, the main issue is that the Polk County Medical Examiner’s office is understaffed.

The delay has caused problems for a number of Iowa residents, as a death certificate is needed to apply for certain benefits, such as life insurance and a 401(k) retirement account.

“They said it would be 6 weeks,” Leanne Sergio Phillips, a woman who lost her husband was quoted by KCCI Des Moines as stating. “That was the first timeline they gave me.”

McCoy and the Polk County Board is discussing collaborating with a newly planned $36 million facility to be built by the State of Iowa.

However, some individuals, such as funeral director John Jacobson, argue that creating a combined state and county medical examiner’s office could diminish the quality of service provided to locals.

“It's not going to be the best for your families or our families in Polk County. I am saying that from first-hand experience,” Jacobson said.