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Iowa advocates remain skeptical about new Medicaid oversight

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June 5th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad says the newly approved state oversight of Iowa’s privatized Medicaid program will make it among the nation’s most transparent, but some health advocates remain skeptical. State officials are also beginning to determine plans for organizing and delivering some information required under the oversight.

The Iowa Department of Human Services is expected to submit quarterly and annual reports. The reports will detail how three private insurance companies are running the state’s roughly $4.2 billion health care program for poor and disabled residents. Various groups will also monitor the program, which switched to private management on April 1.

The companies will submit raw data to DHS. The department will provide analysis of the data for clarity to the public. Health advocates argue raw data should also be posted online.