Louisiana Medicaid managed-care contracts rejected again
- By MELINDA DESLATTE, Associated Press
By MELINDA DESLATTE, Associated Press
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Gov. John Bel Edwards’ administration has lost its latest effort to persuade House Republicans to back contract extensions for Louisiana’s Medicaid managed-care companies.
Friday was the second time House GOP lawmakers on the joint budget committee voted to block the deals.
The companies coordinate health services for 1.5 million people.
Edwards called the 17-7 House vote against the extensions a “partisan spectacle.” He said lawmakers were “leveraging the health and well-being of Louisiana citizens for messy political battles.”
GOP lawmakers question whether the health department is doing enough to monitor contracts estimated to cost $15.4 billion over 23 months. Edwards says his administration improved deals it inherited from Gov. Bobby Jindal.
Edwards says his administration is working on a backup plan to continue services if the contracts expire Jan. 31.
