Ragan Report

Health care changes could harm vulnerable Iowans
 
     Many Iowans are expressing concern about Gov. Terry Branstad’s unilateral decision to privatize Iowa’s Medicaid program. If fully implemented, the decision would have negative impacts on Iowa’s most vulnerable citizens and healthcare providers.
     I’m concerned people in our communities will be denied critical medical services and local providers will not be adequately reimbursed for the medical care of patients. The long-term care of severely disabled adults and children makes up the bulk of Medicaid services in Iowa. Medicaid also covers prenatal care to pregnant women, health insurance for low-income children, and health care for low-income seniors and others.
     The plan is to turn over the care of more than a half-million Iowans – one in five Iowans – to four managed care companies by Jan. 1, 2016. With this change, we will see administrative costs jump from 3 to 15 percent, reaching $600 million. At the same time, the overall cost to the state is supposed to fall by $100 million a year.
     The managed care companies have yet to sign contracts with the state, so providers are being asked to sign contracts that don’t include reimbursement rates. Medicaid recipients and their families have good reason to be worried about the future.
     Iowans who depend on Medicaid and the people and organizations that care for them need more time. That’s why I’m calling on the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to reject the governor’s plan to put Iowa’s Medicaid Program in private hands or make major changes to it.
     The federal government invests a significant amount in Iowa Medicaid services. We have a responsibility to federal taxpayers and to Iowans who need these services. We need to make sure, for example, that patient outcomes continue to improve and that access to health care is not decreased.
     We all need to work together to make sure quality health care services remain available to local seniors, people with physical and mental disabilities, and mothers and children.
     If you are concerned about the privatization of Iowa Medicaid, make your voice heard.
     I’ll be hosting a listening post. Please join me if the changes to Medicaid will impact you or your loved ones. The meeting will take place at on Friday, Oct. 9 at 10 a.m., in the NIACC Conference Center, 500 College Drive in Mason City.

     I also encourage you to share your views with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services by writing to Andrew Slavitt, acting administrator at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, at andy.slavitt@cms.hhs.gov or 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244.
     To learn more about privatizing Medicaid in Iowa, go to www.dhs.iowa.gov/ime/about/initiatives/MedicaidModernization.
     In addition, the Iowa Department of Human Services is hosting meetings to help local Iowans understand what the transition means for them.
• For Medicaid recipients and their families:
     Friday, Oct. 30, 5-7 p.m., North Iowa Area Community College, Rm MH 104G (500 College Drive, Mason City).
     Wednesday, Nov. 11, 4-7 p.m., Hawkeye Community College, Tama Hall (1501 E. Orange Road, Waterloo).

• For community partners, advocates and other stakeholders (to attend stakeholder meetings, you must register at www.dhs.iowa.gov/node/1049):
     Wednesday, October 7, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., North Iowa Area Community College – Muse Norris Conf. Ctr. (500 College Drive Mason City). 
     Medicaid recipients with questions or concerns can call Member Services at 1-800-338-8366.
 Questions from providers should be directed to the Provider Services Call Center at 1-800-338-7909.
     Sen. Amanda Ragan (D-Mason City) serves Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties in Senate District 27. She can be reached at (641) 424-0874. Email her at amanda.ragan@legis.iowa.gov..