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Iowa Senate passes legislation to expand state oversight of Iowa’s Medicaid program, future still unclear

The Senate has passed legislation that would expand state oversight of Iowa’s Medicaid program under private management, but the measure’s future is...

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Senate has passed legislation that would expand state oversight of Iowa's Medicaid program under private management, but the measure's future is unclear.

The Democratic-controlled Senate voted 32-18 Wednesday for the measure, which would expand the state's authority to review how three private companies handle the $4.2 billion program when they take over on April 1. The bill heads to the Republican-majority House, where leaders have been vague about support.

The bill is aimed at addressing public criticism over the state's transition to managed care, which Democrats say has been rushed.

Sen. Amanda Ragan, a Mason City Democrat, says the measure will safeguard the program, which provides health care to 560,000 poor and disabled residents.

Gov. Terry Branstad says a privatized system would provide better care and contain growing costs.

 

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