DES MOINES – As Democrats introduced legislation to call off his Medicaid privatization today, Gov. Terry Branstad announced over 87,000 provider contracts have been signed since November 1st with managed care organizations for Iowa’s Medicaid Modernization plan.
The Governor says Iowa’s Medicaid Modernization plan is improving access and creating a more sustainable Medicaid program that begins March 1, 2016.
“Managed care means more doctors than ever before serving Medicaid patients,” said Branstad. “Old Medicaid had roughly 7,500 doctors in its network for patients. The three partner managed care plans have signed contracts with more than 8,600, 12,200, and 14,600 doctors respectively.”
“Managed care means better access for patients to doctors,” Lt. Gov. Reynolds said. “Iowa’s Medicaid patients and providers will have greater access to a robust provider network. Our Medicaid Modernization program will provide the right care, in the right setting, and at the right time.”
The three health plans have signed 87,569 provider contracts and will continue to build a robust provider network for Iowa’s Medicaid Modernization program that begins March 1, 2016.
As Branstad made his announcement, Democrats want the plan scrapped and introduced legislation in the Senate that would halt it.
Instead, Democrats say Iowa should continue improving patient outcomes, increasing access to care and making the existing public management of Medicaid more efficient.
Governor Branstad says Medicaid costs are spiraling out of control and his plan would help protect the state from rising costs.
The Democratic bill would face an uphill battle in the House – controlled by Republicans – and likely never get signed by the Governor. There would likely not be enough support in the legislature to over-ride a veto.
