Amerigroup Wins New Business in State of Iowa

Business Wire

Amerigroup Iowa will Roll Out Services Beginning in January 2016

DES MOINES, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) announced its intent to contract with Amerigroup Iowa, Inc., and three other health plans as a result of a statewide competitive bidding process. Amerigroup Iowa will operate out of Des Moines and subject to finalization of its contract with DHS, is expected to begin serving members on January 1, 2016.

Amerigroup Iowa will participate in the Iowa High Quality Health Initiative. The program will enroll the majority of the Iowa Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) populations and will also provide services for individuals qualifying for Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) funded substance abuse services; Long Term Services and Supports for seniors and persons with disabilities; and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. DHS estimates 560,000 Iowans will be eligible for managed care services, which will be divided between the four organizations.

“We are extremely excited to bring our deep Medicaid Managed Care experience to the individuals, providers and communities in Iowa, and are looking forward to providing access to high quality care and helping improve health outcomes for our new members and the State,” said Dr. Tunde Sotunde, president of North Region Medicaid operations, Amerigroup. “We currently work closely with 19 state Medicaid agencies around the country and bring years of best practices and learnings to the Hawkeye state. Amerigroup is well-prepared to enter the market, and we will work closely with DHS to ensure the transition for members and providers will be as seamless as possible.”

The Iowa DHS is expected to finalize contracts with successful bidders in September.