DES MOINES – 600,000 Iowans have been on the rollercoaster ride of managed care in Iowa. On Monday, Local 5 spoke to the man newly-appointed to change things around.
The state changed from Medicaid to privately managed care more than a year and a half ago. But providers like hospitals and clinics have not been paid. One of the three original managed care companies, Amerihealth Caritas, has dropped out of the system, citing financial issues between Iowa and the company. Some Medicaid recipients said their services have been cut.
The Department of Human Services hired a brand new Medicaid director. His name is Mike Randol, and he’s the former Medicaid director of the controversial system in Kansas. He sat down for an interview with Local 5’s Amanda Krenz.
“I understand their concerns, members, providers.. I share those concerns as well. I want to make sure our primary focus is we provide services to our members,” said Randol about patients complaining of diminished care.
The new director has been on the job in Iowa for a month, but he said he hasn’t had a chance to meet with any Medicaid members yet. He said it’s time for the state to move forward to that managed care can be a success.
“Individuals can speculate on what may have happened in the past,” said Randol. “I’m going to focus on the future and the future of Iowa Medicaid so we can sustain this program and provide those services.”
The director said it took Kansas about five years to get the kinks worked out of its managed care program, and it will likely take Iowa a while too.
