One of the most important issues facing Iowans is our broken Medicaid system. I’ve heard from countless voters about how the privatization of Medicaid has disrupted their lives and those of their loved ones. Unfortunately, the problems with Medicaid in Iowa recently got worse. 

Last year AmeriHealth Cartias Iowa left the state after losing significant money, leaving Iowans with only two other Managed Care Organizations (MCO’s). That forced thousands of our most vulnerable neighbors to change care providers. 

To make matters worse, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced March 29 that another MCO, UnitedHealthcare, will also be leaving Iowa’s managed care program. UnitedHealthcare manages the care of 70 percent of Iowans on Medicaid. This means that 425,000 Iowans will once again have their lives disrupted.  We are leaving our most vulnerable neighbors at risk. 

I was proud to join my House colleagues in demanding that we end these costly disruptions to those Iowans and their families who depend on Medicaid, as well as those who provide services to Medicaid patients. 

Democrats recently filed two amendments to end Medicaid privatization and prevent future disruptions to health care. The first amendment aimed to move vulnerable Iowans who need long term assistance (LTSS) back to fee for service. The other amendment would have ended Medicaid privatization at the end of the fiscal year, June 30.  I was disappointed to see the majority refuse to take up either amendment. 

I stand ready to work together with Governor Reynolds and my fellow lawmakers yet this year to address Iowa’s failed Medicaid privatization experiment. Adding unnecessary suffering to the lives of vulnerable Iowans is unacceptable, and the Legislature must act. 

The legislative session has only a month left. We have reached our second important deadline for bills to still be eligible for debate. We now focus on passing the state’s budget. I remain focused on improving the lives of everyday Iowans. I am hopeful that we can come together and bring better paying jobs to our communities, make health care affordable and accessible for all Iowans, and ensure our kids continue to have access to world-class Iowa schools. 

STATE REP. KARIN DERRY, D-Johnston, represents House District 39, which includes Johnston, Grimes, Urbandale Precinct 4, Webster Township and Jefferson Township. She can be reached at karin.derry@legis.iowa.gov or 515-281-3221.

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