Medicaid topic of listening post

To the editor:

Please circle Monday on your calendar. That is day we will hold a listening post at the Marion Public Library from 4:15-6 p.m. on Medicaid Modernization. This is an opportunity for the public to voice opinions about the transition.

By Jan. 1, the health care of more than a half million Iowans will be turned over to four managed care companies. Medicaid is supported by a $4.2 billion budget and this transition, should it be approved, needs oversight. As lawmakers, we want to make certain that critical services are not denied to vulnerable Iowans and payments are not cut to Iowa providers.

We, along with an Iowa Department of Human Services representative, will be at the listening post. We need to work together to make sure quality health care services remain available to local seniors, people with physical and mental disabilities, and mothers and children.

Sen. Liz Mathis

Rep. Kirsten Running-Marquardt

Rep. Art Staed