Key Senators ask feds to stop or slow down Branstad’s rush to privatize...
September 17, 2015 DES MOINES — The state Senators responsible for health care policy and funding have asked Obama Administration officials to stop or significantly slow down Governor Branstad’s...
View ArticleShare your concerns about Iowa’s Medicaid privatization
If you are concerned about Governor Branstad’s reckless privatization of Iowa Medicaid, make your voice heard. There is more info in this post: Center for information on Medicaid Privatization. Senate...
View ArticleTAKE ACTION: What you can do about the Branstad-Reynolds Medicaid mess
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...
View ArticlePublic comment at the 12/07/15 Medicaid hearing
Below is the list of speakers at the December 7, 2015, meeting of the Iowa Legislature’s Health Care Oversight Committee. There are additional written comments and a video of the morning session of...
View ArticleVideo links to individual public comments at the 12/7/15 Medicaid Hearing
Medicaid activist Rhonda Shouse Below is the list of public comments and video links from the afternoon session of December 7, 2015, meeting of the Iowa Legislature’s Health Care Oversight Committee....
View ArticleIowa State Senators applaud decision to delay Medicaid privatization
Iowa Senate News Release State Senator Amanda Ragan: (641) 424- 0874 State Senator Liz Mathis: (319) 361-1725 For Immediate Release: December 17, 2015 Iowa State Senators applaud decision to delay...
View ArticleWorking for you in 2016
The 2016 legislative session starts this Monday, January 11. Our primary job is listening to you—our constituents—and ensuring the state honors its commitments to Iowa families. These commitments...
View ArticleIowans invited to help shape State Health Plan
The Iowa Department of Public Health is developing a comprehensive health needs assessment. The goal is to come up with a statewide Health Improvement Plan to help Iowans live longer, healthier, more...
View ArticleIowa needs a bigger, stronger middle class
On Monday, we gaveled in at the Statehouse to begin the 2016 legislative session. Over the next few months, we’ll be working to improve Iowa’s economic growth, education, health care and public safety....
View ArticleRegional Medicaid updates for providers & members
The transition of Iowa Medicaid to the IA Health Link managed care program will begin March 1, pending final federal approval. In-person provider and member education sessions that provide updates on...
View ArticleIowans nervous about Medicaid privatization
Medicaid is the health care safety net for 560,000 Iowans. One in five Iowans depends on Medicaid for vital health care services, including the elderly, people with disabilities and mental health...
View ArticleJochum: Senate will vote on ending Medicaid Privatization
February 4, 2016 Statement by Senate President Pam Jochum of Dubuque This week, legislation was introduced in the Iowa Senate to stop Governor Branstad’s unilateral decision to privatize Iowa’s...
View ArticleProtecting the health care of Iowans
A bill has been introduced in the Iowa Senate to stop Governor Branstad’s unilateral decision to privatize Iowa’s Medicaid program. We’re supporting this legislation—Senate Study Bill 3081—because...
View ArticleGovernor, Medicaid privatization actually means fewer health care providers...
February 4, 2016 DES MOINES – Today Governor Branstad claimed that “Managed care means more doctors for Medicaid patients.” However, when it comes to the 37,000 children who had been served by...
View ArticleA bipartisan vote to protect Iowa’s health care safety net
Iowa still isn’t ready—even after a 60-day delay—to implement a Medicaid system operated by for-profit, out-of-state companies. That’s why the Senate took a bipartisan vote today to stop Governor...
View ArticleEncouraging young voter participation
It’s great that many 17 year olds who will be by 18 by the November election got to participate in Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses last week. We want to encourage young voters to participate in...
View ArticleIowa Medicaid Managed Care Improvement & Oversight Bill – Sf 2107 Bill Summary
Intent: Medicaid managed care should be implemented and administered in a manner that safeguards the interests of Medicaid members, encourages the participation of Medicaid providers and protects the...
View ArticlePrivatized Medicaid must have strong oversight to protect Iowans
We have been listening to Iowans and know we can have a better healthcare system than the privatized Medicaid being pushed by the Branstad-Reynolds Administration. That’s why the Senate took a...
View ArticlePatients want greater access to experimental treatments
New legislation could provide hope for Iowans with terminal illnesses who are desperate for relief or a cure. The development of prescription drugs is long and expensive. Often, clinical trials are...
View ArticleRobust oversight needed for Medicaid
Unfortunately, we learned this week that the federal Centers for Medicaid Services is approving the unilateral plan by the Branstad-Reynolds Administration to privatize Iowa Medicaid beginning April 1....
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