The McCoy Report: Curbing Medicaid Fraud Important Part of Health-Care Talks

By Sen. Matt McCoy

Much of this legislative session has focused on expanding access to affordable healthcare to more Iowans through Medicaid. As we work toward that goal, we’re also working to lower costs.

Most Medicaid providers are honest, hardworking health care professionals, but preventing fraud and abuse is a critical part of every important program. That watchdog function will improve this this year with the Legislature’s approval of Senate File 357. It provides more tools that the Department of Human Services can use to identify fraud and abuse, collect overpayments, and assess civil penalties.

This is a key part of making sure Iowans have access to quality, affordable healthcare at the lowest possible cost.

Another fiscally responsible thing we can do is ensure that local companies have the chance to do as much business as possible. So if it makes sense, we should put Iowa companies first when spending your state and local tax dollars on the goods and services that government needs to operate.  

To that end, the Senate approved Senate File 170. This bipartisan Iowa First legislation applies to state contracts for less than $500,000. If an Iowa-based business is narrowly underbid on a state contract—within five percent or $10,000, whichever is less—by an out-of-state company, the Iowa business will have the chance to match that out-of-state bid.  

Iowa First is a win-win. If it becomes law, no Iowa business will “just miss out” to an out-of-state business on a state contract. At the same time, government will never be required to pay more than the lowest bid. This is a great way to support local business people who’ve built their companies here in Iowa.

(Sen. Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines, represents District 21, which includes the west part of Des Moines, portions of West Des Moines and Cumming in northwest Warren County. He is an Assistant Senate Majority Leader, chair of the Commerce Committee and chair of the Transportation & Infrastructure Budget Subcommittee. He also serves on the Appropriations, State Government, Transportation and Ways & Means committees. Reach him at the Senate switchboard at 515-281-3371 or matt.mccoy@legis.iowa.gov. More information at www.senate.iowa.gov/senator/mccoy.)