Medicaid meeting was not helpful

To the editor:

I recently returned from a meeting held by the Iowa Department of Human Services at the Cedar Rapids library for the purpose of comment on the proposed changes in Medicaid in Iowa.

Attended by only about a dozen people, it was not a helpful meeting. No information was given other than the reading of a statement that the changes were to take place Jan. 1. The moderator invited people to speak, but said she was forbidden to answer questions.

I believe most who did attend were hoping to get information as to the validity of reasons for this change. Wherein are the private companies able to save money for the state? What changes in care have taken place in states where Medicaid has been privatized? Why are some of the providers reluctant to sign on? Why is there such a rush to make the change? What does it say about the vetting of the companies considered when an administrative judge rules to throw out one of them for not disclosing its history of fines, legal issues and former executives imprisoned?

My wife and I have an adult daughter in a nursing home due to physical and mental disabilities. She is dependent on Medicaid for much of her health care. We would like something more than assurance from Gov. Terry Branstad that this change will save Iowa money.

Jim Beatty

Cedar Rapids