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.
By the way, Nada Racisist is a racist. My opinion!
Feel The Bern
You HillaBernies must have your head up your butt. Ever since out government started passing laws that were directed at health care we all have less quality, more costs, less choice, and no end in of the higher prices. Single payer is a guarantee of a total failure of our health care system.
The Bern-dog if elected would wreak havoc on American working families.
LVS is spot on. I too have witnessed the failed health care in Canada. BAD BAD BAD.
Tell me what you think smart guy. Or do you believe that drug companies and HMOs try to do things in the patient’s best interest? Deregulate and they will lower their prices? Let’s hear it.
I didn’t think you would have an answer. All you do is complain.
Then how do you explain that single payer works in literally EVERY OTHER civilized country in the world? The residents of those countries love and value their government healthcare. What makes you so sure it wouldn’t work here?
Mercy has signed with Ameritas. That is the only managed care provider they have authorized. You either go with them if you are on medicaid or else you will pay cash at Mercy. In other words they are forcing people to go with the one they have picked. Not sure if I like that or not. But, what choice do we have.
Mercy’s decision was based on the direction that health care funding is heading in Iowa. You can write a personal thank you note to Gov Bumstead for his crusade to cap health care costs and restrict your personal choices.
And you have been so shamefully critical of Sen. Ragan on this matter! Eat your words as you slurp down your bland oatmeal when they admit you to a nursing home.
Ragan needs to go away and do it fast. She is nothing but a political shit disturber who is only doing it for herself. It is going nowhere and is dead on arrival.
I love how idiot republicans keep voting against their own interests. They simply can’t see that people like Terry don’t care about the little people, it’s all about helping out their private corporate buddies and $$$$ for them. LVS you do have a choice, vote for Bernie Sanders. He’s advocating for single payer health care for all citizens.
Sanders should be made to move to Russia where the old communist belongs. His platform is built on giving free stuff to everyone and there is NO FREE STUFF. Someone has to pay for it and the B.S. that he will make the rich pay for it is just that B.S.
I will tell you this, I lived in Canada for two years and in Mexico for two years and they both have single payer system. Neither one is worth a shit. It works if you have a hang nail or a broken arm, but if you get really sick you will die waiting in line. I saw it and it is real. What we have now is much better except fpr Obamacare which is a farce and only serves to make the insurance companies money.
You go Terry – kick those federalies out of our State – President Trump will be here soon to help you.