MARION, IA (CBS2/FOX28) Before her Listening Post meeting at the Marion Public Library, guests watched State Senator Liz Mathis, D-Robbins, set out scores of chairs and then call for more and wondered if she wasnt being a little overly optimistic about the turnout. 15 minutes later there were so many people with concerns about big changes coming to Iowas Medicaid system that you couldnt find an empty seat and it was elbow to elbow standing room only with some people listening from the hall. Mathis says Republican Governor Terry Branstads push to privatize Medicaid to save money has everyone from patients to care providers worried and confused. The plan calls for four managed healthcare companies to take over Medicaid services with a tax dollar savings of more than 0-Million just in the first six months. Mathis and many others are concerned those health systems will keep costs down by cutting medical treatment to the most vulnerable patients who desperately need Medicaid services, I think those who have some catastrophic illnesses and need some high cost testing and that wont be approved, I think those who are on elderly waiver, they may lose some services, I think children who are on Medicaid and in need of mental health services. Bill McVicker stood out among the scores of people who packed the room. He brought his son, Bill Junior, who is confined to a wheelchair and relies on a mobile breathing device. Bill says hes concerned about changes in medical insurance costs and whether he may be able to continue to care for his son at home under the new plan. As he flips the lever for a lift to elevate his son into the back of their van, hes a little emotional that so far hes not getting much help, Nobody had any answers for me, nobody knew anything that was going on and that was in September. Its frustrating, but it looks like its going to happen. More than 560,000 Iowans rely on Medicaid and 30,000 providers offer the medical services to help them live the fullest life possible. Governor Branstads Communications Director Ben Hammes says state leaders understand there are concerns, but he says in the long run privatizing Medicaid will provide more preventative care and give the state a predictable budget rather than wondering how high Medicaid costs might climb in any given year, We believe this managed care will improve Iowans health, reducing emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgeries and basically eliminating unnecessary duplicate services. Change can be difficult, but there has to be something done and Governor Branstad believes the final savings estimates, that passed with bipartisan support mind you, will be prudent in the end. Discovery Living Inc. in Cedar Rapids provides help for 150 clients of all ages who are living with challenges ranging from autism to cerebral palsy. Executive Director Robert Hebl says he is all in favor of responsible Medicaid spending, but he says the rush to make changes could harm many people, Our fears are disruption of services, people falling through the cracks, providers not receiving reimbursement, all of which can really lead to some bad outcomes. Dozens of states now utilize managed care for their Medicaid systems, but panelists at the meeting say most have made that transition over a period closer to two years, rather than less than one year as Iowa plans. Julie Knake Tow provides home healthcare services in Eastern Iowa and says the accelerated timetable makes it worse, This Iowa managed care is just getting shoved down our throats and if we could just push it back and take it easy and all learn about it and be better educated we would be able to make choices that are not so rushed. Senator Mathis and some other critics of privatizing Iowa Medicaid say theyre concerned many recipients dont even know whats coming and how dramatically it might impact them. One panelist suggested people call Governor Branstad and demand he stop or at least slow down the process to avoid chaos. Those attending from the Department of Human Services offered two suggestions for Iowans who rely on Medicaid. First, they say if something shows up in your mailbox from the State of Iowa, especially anything related to Medicaid, read it, or have a relative or friend read it, do not ignore it. Second, if you have any questions or concerns call the toll free number for Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-338-8366. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
