Clinton lawmakers Representative Mary Wolfe and Senator Rita Hart have organized a listening post for Iowans and health care providers who have concerns about Medicaid privatization. The listening post will be held from 5:00pm – 6:30pm on Friday, August 19 at the Canticle, Community Meeting Room, 841 13th Avenue North. ‘Read more’ from the official legislative issued statement.
“I’ve heard from several Iowa families and health care providers who have issues with Medicaid privatization,” said Rep. Wolfe. “Our goal to gather more information from local citizens and provide more information and answers to those who are affected.”
Rep. Wolfe and Sen. Hart will be joined by former Iowa House Human Resources Committee Chair and House Democratic Leader Mark Smith of Marshalltown. In addition to lawmakers, representatives from the Iowa Department of Human Services and the three managed care organizations have been invited to participate in the event.
Recently, Iowa care providers reported that they are struggling to be paid by the for-profit corporations who have taken over the administration of health care services to more than a half million Iowans on Medicaid.
“I worked with lawmakers to pass bipartisan, comprehensive Medicaid oversight and protection plan last session,” said Sen. Hart. “Part of making sure these managed care companies are held accountable is to listen to those in the community that still have questions or are not getting critical information about the transition to privatized care.”
Governor Branstad moved to privatize Medicaid in April. Iowa Medicaid is a joint state and federal program and is a health care safety net for Iowa families dealing with severe accidents, long-term illnesses and disabilities. Roughly 70 percent of Medicaid funds are used to care for Iowans living with disabilities and the elderly.
If you are unable to make the public forum and still need answers to your questions; please contact Senator Rita Hart directly at Rita.Hart@legis.iowa.gov or Representative Mary Wolfe directly at Mary.Wolfe@legis.iowa.gov. Or use the following contact information below.
For Iowa Medicaid Member – IME Member Services
Phone: 1-800-338-8366 (toll free) or 515-256-4606
Website: www.IAHealthLink.gov
Email: IMEMemberServices@dhs.state.ia.us
For Iowa Medicaid Providers – IME Provider Services
Phone: 1-800-338-7909 (toll free) or 515-256-4609
Email: IMEProviderServices@dhs.state.ia.us
Provider Managed Care Organization Contacts: https://dhs.iowa.gov/ime/providers/MCO-contact-info
Managed Care Organizations
Amerigroup Iowa, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-600-4441
AmeriHealth Caritas
Phone: 1-855-332-2440
Web: www.amerihealthcaritasia.com
UnitedHealthcare Plan of the River Valley
Phone: 1-800-464-9484
Web: www.UHCCommunityPlan.com/ia/
