The Iowa DHS did not issue written warnings, corrective action plans or monetary penalties to three health plans that took over Iowa’s Medicaid program during the first two months of privatization. Insurers include Amerigroup, AmeriHealth Caritas and UnitedHealthcare. The department can use punitive action to assure payers are compliant with industry regulations, such as paying claims and resolving appeals in a timely manner.
Department officials said they decided to hold off on sanctions to encourage collaboration between the payers and government officials during the transition process, according to South West Iowa News.
Iowa’s Medicaid program came under scrutiny earlier this after reports of delayed payments to healthcare providers and delayed treatment to patients sparked outrage from healthcare advocates.
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