Chronicle Editorial

By: 
Chronicle Staff

Issues loom large as Medicaid changes approach
Three Republican state senators turned heads in Des Moines last week by voting in favor of bill that would halt the governor’s plan to privatize Iowa’s Medicaid program. Jake Chapman, Tom Shipley and David Johnson will no doubt face backlash from fellow party members in the wake of their votes; however, it was a valiant attempt at creating bipartisan momentum to address a plan that’s been dogged by party politics every step of the way.
Gov. Terry Branstad’s reform initiative would pay three companies around $500 million per year to manage Iowa’s Medicaid program. The goal of the plan is to save taxpayer dollars and ensure the future viability of the program, but it’s been heavily scrutinized by Democrats and other critics. They claim reforms are being implemented too hastily, which will lead to confusion, reduced service offerings and other problems.
The governor’s initiative has already been delayed by federal officials once. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services pushed the plan’s launch date to March 1 due to concerns that it wasn’t ready for prime time. Despite the delay, many lawmakers and Medicaid recipients still believe the privatization plan is jumping the gun.
Branstad’s reform initiative is well-intentioned, but all signs indicate that it needs more time. Lawmakers should work to slow down its implementation so Medicaid services are uninterrupted and unaffected. Thousands of Iowans are still unsure about the plan and their worries must be soothed before the state moves forward. More than 560,000 poor and elderly Iowans rely on Medicaid, and lawmakers shouldn’t jeopardize the program’s future in favor of party allegiances.
Though the Republican trio’s attempt at gathering bipartisan support created some buzz in Des Moines, the threat of the governor’s veto pen looms large if state lawmakers delay the reform plan. The Iowa House won’t even consider the Senate’s bill due to its long odds and lack of Republican support. Though the Senate’s attempt might be futile, it should lead to serious conversation about delaying the Medicaid plan until it’s ready. The program needs to be modernized, but there’s no need to rush things.
Iowans can only hope the governor’s reforms are ready to go by March 1. If not, Medicaid recipients could be in for one heck of a ride.
 
The postseason push
     With the regular season now complete, it can only mean one thing for local athletes: It’s time for the postseason push.
     Be it wrestling or basketball, many local teams have put in an extraordinary effort to make this season exciting. Franklin County’s high schools have been at it since November and many fans have enjoyed following their success this year. As the season starts to sunset, take the time to catch these teams as they make their final push. After all, we’ve got a whole year in front of us before we can see our local hoopsters and grapplers in action.
     Each season is unique. Our local athletes put in a lot of time and effort to make things fun for their fans, and their contributions should not go unnoticed. We appreciate their work ethic and wish them the best in the postseason. The results might not always end up in their favor, but their effort and dedication is something the entire community can be proud of.

Hampton Chronicle

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