Two State Senators to visit Decorah to get comments on privatization of Medicaid administration in Iowa

Iowa State Senators Joe Bolkcom and Amanda Ragan

Governor Terry Branstad's decision to privatize Iowa's Medicaid program has been drawing a lot of criticism from Democrats in the state.  The plan calls for turning over the care of more than a half million Iowans to four managed care companies by January 1st.

Administrative costs are expected to jump from 3 to 12 percent, reaching $600 million. At the same time, the move is expected to save the state $100 million a year. 

Democrats in the State Senate have issued a news release which states, in part, "The math doesn't add up. The only way these companies can collect the multi-million dollar profits guaranteed them is by denying critical services to Iowans and by failing to fully pay local health care organizations for services they provide."

Two State Senate Democrats--Amanda Ragan of Mason City and Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City--have announced plans to bring their case to Decorah.  The two will speak Monday, November 16th, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in room 02 of Luther College's Olin Building.