Rob Sand says he'll work to end privatized Medicaid on Day 1
Iowa Gov.-elect Rob Sand says he'll begin the process of ending Iowa's decade-old Medicaid privatization system on his first day in office, but the transition won't happen overnight. Why it matters: The end of privatized Medicaid would be one of the most dramatic changes to Iowa's health care systems in 10 years, but Sand has criticized the program, saying it prioritizes profits over patients. Driving the news: Sand shared his early priorities with reporters during his first press conference as governor-elect in the Capitol rotunda Monday. "This is not a thing that we can do overnight. But my intention is that that process begins on day one," Sand said. Catch up quick: Former Republican Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad transferred management of Iowa's Medicaid program from the state to private insurance companies in 2016, arguing the move would improve care and save taxpayers money. The program launched April 1, 2016, transferring coverage for around 94% of Medicaid members to three privately managed care organizations. A 2021 report from Sand's state auditor's office found an 891% increase in administrative law judges overturning denials of Medicaid services after privatization. The other side: State officials disputed the findings, saying changes to the appeals process
