University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, UnityPoint Health and Genesis Health System all reach agreements with a managed care organization

(DES MOINES) - Today, Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced three major hospital systems, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, UnityPoint Health and Genesis Health System have all come to agreements with a managed care organization (MCO's).  Iowa's Medicaid Modernization plan will improve quality, access, and health care outcomes and create a more predictable and sustainable Medicaid program that begins Jan. 1, 2016.

"I'm very pleased with today's announcement that three major hospital systems have signed contracts to serve Iowa Medicaid patients and partner with Medicaid plans," said Branstad.  "These hospitals have signaled they are ready to provide quality care to Medicaid patients all over Iowa on Jan. 1, 2016.  We appreciate the commitment these hospitals are showing to Medicaid patients and their willingness to put politics aside and put sound policy and patients first."

Lt. Gov. Reynolds added, "We have learned a great deal from 30 other states who have taken steps to modernize how they serve Medicaid patients.  Our phased-in approach ensures a smooth transition on day one for all Medicaid patients.  The news today of three major hospital systems signing contracts is a clear signal we will be ready to serve our patients on Jan. 1, 2016."

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, UnityPoint Health and Genesis Health System represent over 3,300 Medicaid providers.  The over 3,300 Medicaid providers represent 28 different types of providers including doctors, nurses and specialists.

576 long term services and support facility contracts, over 4,500 home and community based wavier provider contracts and 99% of pharmacies have signed contracts with a managed care organization

(DES MOINES) - Today, Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announce over 12,000 provider contracts have been signed since November 1st with managed care organizations for Iowa's Medicaid Modernization plan.  Iowa's Medicaid Modernization plan will improve quality, access, and health care outcomes and create a more predictable and sustainable Medicaid program that begins January 1, 2016.

"I am encouraged that over 12,000 provider contracts have been signed since November 1st," said Branstad. "576 long term services and support facility contracts have been signed with a managed care organization (MCO) along with over 4,500 home and community based waiver provider contracts and 99% of pharmacies in the current Iowa Medicaid network have signed contracts with a managed care organization. We are proud of our progress and we will keep working to serve Medicaid patients."

"We have taken a common sense approach by working together to serve our most vulnerable Iowans and I look forward to delivering our patient-centered Medicaid plan beginning on January 1, 2016," Lt. Gov. Reynolds said. "Iowa has learned best practices from 30 other states who have taken steps to modernize Medicaid. Iowa's phased-in approach ensures a smooth transition starting on day one for all Medicaid patients. On January 1^st, Iowa's Medicaid patients will have access to 100% of the current Medicaid network demonstrating 100% network adequacy."

For the first two years, Medicaid patients who receive long-term care services and supports (LTSS) can keep those same services even if their provider is out-of-network.  Those services include HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) waiver services, nursing facilities, and Intermediate Care Facilities for the Intellectually Disabled (ICF/ID).  Physical, behavioral, and mental health services can be kept for the first six months even if their provider is out-of-network.

The four managed care organizations have signed over 12,000 provider contracts since November 1st and will continue to build a robust provider network for Iowa's Medicaid Modernization program that begins January 1, 2016.

Key Provider Network Highlights:

• 99% (740 out of the 747 in the existing Iowa Medicaid network) of pharmacies have signed contracts with a MCO.
• 576 long term services and support facility (skilled facility, nursing facility, Intermediate Care Facilities for the Intellectually Disabled) provider contracts have been signed with a MCO.
• 2,805 behavioral health provider contracts have been signed with a MCO.
• 4,659 home and community based waiver provider contracts have been signed with a MCO.
• 2,571 MD and DO provider contracts have been signed with a MCO.

Stops included Dubuque Community Schools, Waukee Prairieview School and Cardinal Middle-Senior High School

(DES MOINES)  - Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Director of Education Ryan Wise continued visiting Iowa school districts last week and this week to get an update on the first year of Iowa's new Teacher Leadership and Compensation System.  Visits included Dubuque Community Schools on Friday, Nov. 6 by Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and Director Wise.  Gov. Branstad and Director Wise finished this round of visits at Waukee Prairieview School and Cardinal Middle-Senior High School yesterday.

Iowa's Teacher Leadership and Compensation System is the centerpiece of Iowa's landmark 2013 education reform package. It is being phased in over three years, with an investment of $150 million annually when fully in place in 2016-17.

The two main goals of the most extensive teacher leadership system in the nation are to utilize the expertise of many of our best teachers to improve instruction and raise achievement, and transform the teaching profession to attract and retain more outstanding teachers.  All school districts in Iowa have applied to start teacher leadership systems in 2016-17.

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today appointed Susan "Suzy" Christensen as judge to the 4th Judicial District.  Christensen was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the Honorable Timothy O'Grady.

Christensen, 53, of Harlan, currently serves as a District Associate Judge in the 4th District.  Prior to her appointment as District Associate Judge, she was in private practice.  Christensen received her undergraduate degree from Judson College in 1988 and her law degree from Creighton University in 1991.

District 4 consists of the following counties: Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby.