Post by Logan on Feb 24, 2016 1:22:51 GMT -6
Gov. Terry Branstad gained federal approval Tuesday for his controversial plan to turn Medicaid over to private managers, but not until April 1.
Branstad originally planned to make the massive shift on Jan. 1. Federal administrators determined in December that Iowa was not ready to turn the 560,000 poor or disabled people who use the program over to three private management companies. They ordered the state to wait until at least March 1.
Patients and healthcare providers were unsure what would happen on March 1, which is next Tuesday. They finally learned Tuesday afternoon that the shift would happen, but not for another month. “Although we understand the state’s preference to move forward on March 1, the April 1 effective date provides additional time for Iowa to complete activities needed to ensure a smooth transition, such as completing contracting with providers and training case managers,” federal administrators wrote to Branstad officials.
Branstad hailed the decision. “We’re pleased that (the Obama administration) has approved Iowa’s plan to provide a better system for Medicaid patients on April 1,” the governor said in a press release. “Iowa is ready for a new system that provides access through more doctors and will create a more sustainable Medicaid program for taxpayers.”
Read more: www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2016/02/23/branstad-feds-approve-medicaid-privatization/80818628/
Branstad originally planned to make the massive shift on Jan. 1. Federal administrators determined in December that Iowa was not ready to turn the 560,000 poor or disabled people who use the program over to three private management companies. They ordered the state to wait until at least March 1.
Patients and healthcare providers were unsure what would happen on March 1, which is next Tuesday. They finally learned Tuesday afternoon that the shift would happen, but not for another month. “Although we understand the state’s preference to move forward on March 1, the April 1 effective date provides additional time for Iowa to complete activities needed to ensure a smooth transition, such as completing contracting with providers and training case managers,” federal administrators wrote to Branstad officials.
Branstad hailed the decision. “We’re pleased that (the Obama administration) has approved Iowa’s plan to provide a better system for Medicaid patients on April 1,” the governor said in a press release. “Iowa is ready for a new system that provides access through more doctors and will create a more sustainable Medicaid program for taxpayers.”
Read more: www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2016/02/23/branstad-feds-approve-medicaid-privatization/80818628/