Greene County Medical Center, like all Iowa medical facilities, continues to work through the recent decision to delay implementing the privatization of Iowa’s Medicaid program. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services delayed the starting date of the new managed care program, Iowa Health Link, until March 1, 2016.
Chief executive officer Carl Behne stated, “At this point, even with the uncertainties statewide, our first priority is caring for our patients – and that is what we will do moving into the new year regardless of their Medicaid provider situation.”
Contracts with the managed care organizations (MCOs) continue to be negotiated with medical facilities and providers throughout the state. At the same time, Medicaid recipients continue to maneuver through the enrollment process to one of three MCOs available to them.
Greene County Medical Center is working to have contracts with all three MCOs.This will allow all Medicaid recipients, regardless of their MCO, to receive care there.
Visiting specialists and UnityPoint Clinic are conducting their own negotiations and will not be part of the medical center’s arrangements. Medicaid recipients are encouraged to communicate directly with their individual providers.
Medicaid patients are also encouraged to contact Iowa Medicaid Member Services for assistance with questions or to enroll in one of the MCOs available. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, at 1-800-338-8366.
