The current push by the Branstad-Reynolds Administration to privatize Iowa Medicaid by January 1, 2016, has upset many Iowans. Critics say it tries to do too much too fast, and is too disorganized. If you agree, please sign a petition urging a delay or a complete halt to the privatization. The petition can be found at www.IowansForQualityMedicaid.com.
At 10 a.m. on December 7, the Iowa Senate’s Health Policy Oversight Committee will meet in the old Supreme Court chamber at the Statehouse to discuss concerns about the Governor’s rapid move to contract with four managed-care companies to run Iowa’s Medicaid program. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Internet.
Public comments are scheduled from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Written comments are also being accepted and will be published on the committee’s webpage. To request to speak or to submit written comments, send a message to patty.funaro@legis.iowa.gov.
In addition, federal Medicaid officials will soon visit Iowa to assess the situation. They have concerns about there being an adequate network of providers, as well as Iowa’s readiness to make such a big change by January. They agree with us that no patient should suffer due to a lapse in coverage or care. If you have concerns you’d like to share, find the people to contact at http://bit.ly/Medicaid_Home_Page.