Democrats release Medicaid survey showing payment problems

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Democratic lawmakers have released a survey that says some health care providers are not being paid properly under Iowa's privatized Medicaid program.

The survey released Monday says 90 percent of more than 400 health care providers who responded have seen administrative costs increase since the program switched to private management April 1. The survey indicates nearly eight in 10 of those providers say they haven't been paid on time.

There are more than 20,000 providers in the Medicaid program, which offers health care to poor and disabled residents. Staff for the Democratic-controlled Senate says the survey was posted on social media and health care associations were contacted.

Ben Hammes, a spokesman for Gov. Terry Branstad, says the survey is partisan and unscientific.

Lawmakers will discuss the program's transition Tuesday.

In response to the survey, Branstad released new data that shows that individuals have access to twice as many doctors and nurses. You can read the complete list of data here.