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Medicaid leader: Iowa ready for privatization despite issues

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The head of Iowa's Medicaid program has emphasized the state is ready to switch to private management on March 1, despite some remaining issues being monitored by federal officials.

Mikki Stier, Medicaid director for the Iowa Department of Human Services, presented documentation Tuesday to lawmakers on those issues. They include department efforts to keep expanding the network of health care providers who will offer Medicaid services under the new system. She also said DHS is trying to ensure complete case management coverage for patients with certain needs.

Federal officials have been monitoring these issues since they delayed privatization from Jan. 1 to March 1. They're expected to issue another decision soon.

Some lawmakers at a Capitol meeting criticized the state's readiness. Stier told them multiple times that DHS is ready.

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