Local medical facilities are bracing for the impact of Managed Medicaid at the beginning of April.

CEO of Pella Regional Health Center Bob Kroese tells KNIA/KRLS news the hospital is working to finalize contracts with all three MCOs for all clinics and the hospital. He says they will continue to provide services to Medicaid patients under the new system beginning April 1.

Kroese says they are concerned about the confusion patients are experiencing and the financial challenges hospitals are facing in providing quality care for Medicaid patients, and the rushed process of implementation.

He hopes legislators will continue to closely monitor the for-profit companies managing the state’s Medicaid program to ensure that no patient’s health is jeopardized through denied care or lack of access.