DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A department director has acknowledged in a court hearing that the Iowa Medicaid director likely had improper communication with an insurance company worker but says that didn't taint the state's selection of companies to run Iowa's program.
The Des Moines Register reports (http://dmreg.co/1LZztf4 ) that three companies challenging the process for Medicaid privatization say the communication illustrates the flawed process.
Evidence shows Medicaid Director Mikki Stier exchanged emails with former Rep. Renee Schulte, who was working for WellCare, one of the four companies selected for the privatization project, during the so-called blackout period. That's when people involved with the bid process were to communicate only through a designated contact officer.
But Human Services Department Director Chuck Palmer said Monday in court that the exchange had no bearing on the state's decision.
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Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com
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