I want to commend Governor Kim Reynolds for her hard work to ensure Iowa is better for everyone. Her administration is a main reason why Iowa is the number one state in the nation, and why I am so proud to live here.

While Governor Reynolds does a lot to keep Iowa moving, her efforts to improve Iowa’s Medicaid program are often overlooked. It is a service that benefits 680,000 of the most vulnerable Iowans and it cannot be undervalued. It is crucial for everyone to do all they can to not only support Medicaid, but also improve it for future generations.

Governor Reynolds has done just that by supporting Medicaid managed care. Many states have already transitioned to managed care, working to increase health outcomes and lower costs. Currently, nearly two-thirds of Medicaid enrollees are being served by managed care and Governor Reynolds has made a lot of reforms to make sure it works as effectively as possible — and is sustainable.

One reform involves adding more than 80 value-added benefits, including prenatal care, a 24-hour nurse hotline, preventative care options and more. Recipients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and asthma are no longer denied service like they were in the previous system.

Managed care is the right fit for Iowa, as is Governor Reynolds.