DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad has signed into law new state oversight of Iowa’s Medicaid program under private management.
Branstad announced the approval Friday amid final decisions on a number of bills, including several dealing with Iowa’s $7.35 billion budget, which takes effect in July.
Branstad kept language negotiated by the split Legislature that will add more state oversight to Medicaid, the program that provides health care to poor and disabled people.
Some Democratic lawmakers in the Senate had demanded additional oversight of the program because of concerns about the transition to private management on April 1. Branstad says in a message his approval means the state’s Medicaid program will be one of the most transparent.
The governor had 30 days after the legislative session adjourned to deal with remaining legislation.
