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Iowa officials: Medicaid providers sign contract paperwork

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa officials say more than 12,000 Medicaid service providers have signed necessary paperwork to offer care under the state's proposed privatization plan.

Governor Terry Branstad's office said Thursday the four private companies scheduled to oversee Medicaid services on January 1st signed the contracts since November 1st.

The Iowa Department of Human Services says there are more than 17,200 active providers available to offer Medicaid services.

Senator Joe Bolkcom, a Democrat from Iowa City, said the figure shows low participation. He and other Democrats have been public about seeking a delay of the switch. They question the state's preparedness, while Branstad and other state officials have said Iowa will be ready on time.

Iowa's $4.2 billion Medicaid program provides care to low-income and needy people, including children and disabled individuals.

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