A spokesman for the state’s 118 hospitals says there’s too much uncertainty about the Branstad Administration’s push to switch more than half a million Medicaid patients in Iowa to a managed care plan on January 1st. “Put the brakes on this. Allow people time to talk things out, make things work and implement a plan that works for everybody.” That’s Scott McIntyre, the vice president of communications for the Iowa Hospital Association. He says the Branstad Administration still hasn’t provided hospitals with the “rate card” hospitals must use in discussions with the four private companies that will manage care for Medicaid patients.

“Hospitals really don’t have that starting point from which to negotiate a contract or from which to make financial plans,” McIntyre says. State officials have given hospitals and other Iowa health care providers a January 1st deadline to sign contracts with the managed care companies. On Monday, Branstad confirmed his administration will enforce a 10 percent penalty in Medicaid reimbursement to Iowa health care providers that fail to sign managed care deals by January 1st. McIntyre says lawyers tell him the state doesn’t have the authority to impose that 10 percent penalty.

“We don’t even know the base rates at this point, so we are talking about 10 percent of what?” McIntyre says. “It’s kind of another example of putting the cart before the horse and not being clear on what the state’s plans are.” After initially opposing the idea, Branstad in 2013 did approve expanding the number of poor Iowans who qualified for Medicaid. That has led to a reduction in so-called “charity care” in Iowa hospitals, but McIntyre says hospital executives fear those gains may be lost in the switch to “managed care” for Medicaid patients.

“Our concern, one of many, regarding this plan is that these companies will deny care. Folks will go to the emergency room anyway, which won’t be covered even if they do have insurance, and once again our charity care costs will go up and those costs impact everybody,” McIntyre says. “The hospitals really don’t have a choice but to pass along that impact.” Governor Branstad says 25 other states have shifted Medicaid patients into managed care and have saved money in the process.

(Radio Iowa)

The Clarinda Police Department reports a drug-related arrest took place early this (Tuesday) morning. At around 1:30-a.m., officers went to 206 W. Main Street, Apt. #4, to arrest 24-year old Thomas Jeffrey Engstrand, of Clarinda, on an outstanding, probation violation warrant, issued by the Page County District Court. Pursuant to the arrest, Engstrand was found in possession of controlled substances believed to be methamphetamine and marijuana when he was being processed at the Page County Jail.

Engstrand was charged for possession of the substances as well as introduction of controlled substances to a jail facility. A search warrant was also executed at the apartment. Evidence found at the scene indicated the alleged illegal use and distribution of controlled substances. Additional charges against Engstrand are pending.

He was being held at the Page County Jail on $5,000 bond.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) – A monument in Cedar Falls has been dedicated to fallen soldiers and veterans, including five brothers who died during World War II. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports the Black Hawk County Freedom Rock was dedicated near Veterans Park Monday. Brothers Albert, George, Francis, Joseph and Madison Sullivan of Waterloo are among the images on the Freedom Rock painted by Greenfield artist Ray Sorensen II.

The monument also features Medal of Honor winner Robert Hibbs of Cedar Falls, a U.S. Army second lieutenant killed in Vietnam in 1966. Iowa Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Ron Albrecht says the images on the monument were significant because they represented veterans from various generations. The monument is a part of the expansion of Veterans Park. A dedication is expected next summer once the expansion is completed.

Cass County Engineer Charles Marker, today (Tuesday) provided the Board of Supervisors with an update on various bridge projects. And, there was good news for those who use the Cass County Landfill, where a bridge on a road leading to the facility had been closed for replacement.

Marker said the landfill road bridge [#292] is open for traffic. The only work remaining is seeding the area around the bridge. That task has been suspended because they are past the permanent seeding date in September. The area has temporary seeding in-place. A permanent seeding mix will be laid down in the Spring of 2016.

Marker said also, the asphalt approaches are being poured for the Griswold Golf Course Bridge [Bridge #83]. Once those are installed, work on the bridge guardrails will commence. He says the bridge should be open sometime later this month. And, work is progressing on Bridge #247, south of Anita. Steel beams are currently being set in place. Afterward, the corrugated steel decking will be tack welded in place, in preparation for a gravel overlay. And, Marker reports the County sheds are fully stocked with salt and sand in preparation for the first snow storm.

In other business, the Cass County Supervisors approved the appointment of Kate Winston, from Atlantic, to the County Civil Service Commission. The Board received applications from Winston and Steve Jacobs, also of Atlantic, both are Democrats. The position requires a Democrat, and preference is given to gender balancing. The other members of the Commission are men.

And, the Board unanimously voted against requests by the County Recorder and Treasurer for the hiring of a permanent half-time employee, who would serve both offices.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests. 37-year old Marie Ann Johnson, of Afton, was arrested Nov. 3rd and transferred from the Polk County Jail to the Ringgold County Jail, on a Union County warrant for probation violation. Olson was being held on $5000 bond. And, on Saturday (11/7), 32-year old Cassy Lyn Holcomb, of Sioux City, was arrested and transferred from the Woodbury County Jail to the Ringgold County Jail, on a Union County warrant for probation violation. Holcomb was being held without bond until seen by a Judge.

At least one person was taken into custody following a pursuit this (Tuesday) morning, in Shelby County. The chase began sometime before 8-a.m. and ended at Timber and 150th with an arrest. Additional details are currently not available.

More area and State news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce reports the annual Recipe Walk and Grand Lighting ceremony will take place Nov. 19th. The Recipe Walk will be held from 4-until 7-p.m. that day. It’s a mix of holiday flavor enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.Participating businesses will offer sweet and savory treats, along with recipe cards for holiday favorites while you shop.

Businesses wanting to partake in the Recipe Walk can register or get more information by calling the chamber at 243-3017, or e-mailing them at chamber@atlanticiowa.com.

The event is being held in conjunction with the Grand Lighting ceremony, which starts at 5:30-p.m. on Nov. 19th. That same day, the first annual “SnowFlake Drop” will be held, sponsored by McDermott and Son Roofing and Brown’s Shoe Fit Company. Snowflakes of savings will be dropping from the sky for the community to scoop up and save at local businesses. Like the Chamber on Facebook for a sneak peak of what the “snowflakes” will offer.

Other events taking place Nov. 19th in Atlantic include:

• Santa’s reindeer in the City Park from 5:30-to 7:30-pm
• Santa’s cabin open, hot cocoa & popcorn offered from 6:15-to 7:30-p.m.

Mark your calendar also, for Dec. 5th. That’s when the Lighted Christmas Parade and Fireworks take place, beginning at 6-p.m. The event is sponsored by A.M. Cohron and Son, & Meyer and Gross Real Estate.

• 3 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup salad oil
• 4 oz. jar baby food applesauce
• 4 oz. jar baby food carrots
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup pecans

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 3 oz. package cream cheese (room temp.)
• 1 stick oleo (room temp.)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Mix in order given.  Pour into a 10″ x 15″ pan.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes.  Cool, then frost with cream cheese frosting.

Frosting:  Cream the cream cheese and oleo, then add powdered sugar and vanilla.  Beat until smooth.

(Sharon Smith)

The area’s top news at 7:06-a.m., w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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