Loss of second Iowa Medicaid provider raises stability concerns

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The loss of a second major health care insurer in the Iowa Medicaid program is raising concerns about the stability of a system that serves about 600,000 poor and disabled people.

Democratic lawmakers continued calls Monday for Gov. Kim Reynolds to reverse the move three years ago to privatize the program. They say the change is disrupting lives for vulnerable Iowans.

Republican House Speaker Linda Upmeyer says leaders are monitoring the situation and will help constituents navigate the transition.

Auditor Rob Sand says he’s investigating “multiple matters” involving the state Medicaid program but wouldn’t discuss specifics.

UnitedHealthcare announced Friday it would leave Iowa’s $5 billion program in the coming months over money and “program design challenges.”

Reynolds says the company made unacceptable demands.

It is the second health care insurance provider to leave the Iowa program over money since it was handed over to private companies