Medicaid meeting rescheduled by senators to Aug. 9

To the Press

CHARLES CITY — State Sen. Mary Jo Wilhelm has rescheduled a listening post for area residents who have questions about Iowa Medicaid privatization.

The event will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 9 at North Iowa Area Community College, 200 Harwood Drive in Charles City. Senator Amanda Ragan of Mason City will also participate.

“The problems with Medicaid privatization matter to every Iowan because any of us could someday need the help of the Medicaid safety net,” Wilhelm said.

Recently, Iowa care providers reported they are struggling to receive timely, complete payments from the out-of- state corporations picked to administer the health care of the more than one half million Iowans on Medicaid.

The Iowa Senate’s Human Resources Committee held a special meeting on this issue and the problems Iowa families are experiencing on July 26 at the Iowa Statehouse. Wilhelm and Ragan are both members of the committee and attended the event.

“If this isn’t fixed, Medicaid privatization could make Iowa health care less accessible and more expensive while costing Iowans jobs,” Wilhelm said. “We’ve got to do better.”

Iowa Medicaid is a joint state and federal program. It is the ultimate 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 very poor elderly.

Local residents seeking more information on the meeting are encouraged to call Wilhelm at (563) 547-4156.

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