Rep. Dan Kelley (D-Newton) is asking Jasper County residents to voice their concerns regarding Gov. Terry Branstad’s rush to privatize Medicaid, which serves 565,000 Iowans including seniors, those with disabilities, kids and expecting moms.
“There are still many unanswered questions regarding the governor’s rush to privatize Medicaid. I have signed the petition and I would encourage those who have concerns to sign as well. The petition will ask the federal government to delay implementation for another six months,” Kelley said.
The petition can be signed at
iowansforqualitymedicaid.com and has already generated more than 4,000 signatures in just over a week. The petition and signatures are being delivered to federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) officials in Washington, D.C., who still have to approve the Governor's plan before it takes effect on Jan. 1.
In addition to consumers, health care providers and non-profits are also expressing deep concerns about the Governor’s Medicaid plan. They are being pressured to sign contracts with new private companies without knowing how much they will be paid for services. Iowa hospitals even filed a lawsuit last week to stop the governor’s rush to privatization.