DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa's Medicaid director is stepping down to take a job in private business.
Mike Randol was hired in November 2017 to take over Iowa’s shift to a privately managed Medicaid program.
Randol held the same position in Kansas, which also privatized it's Medicaid system.
Medicaid provides healthcare services to 700,000 poor and disabled residents in Iowa.
Governor Kim Reynolds praised Randol in a statement announcing his resignation Wednesday.
"Director Randol was brought on at a critical time to stabilize our Medicaid program,” said Governor Reynolds. “I am so thankful for the work he’s done to not only stabilize the program, but improve the system, incorporate technology, and set a foundation that we can build on moving forward. I wish him the absolute best in his next endeavor.”
Randol is leaving his role as Iowa's Medicaid Director on August 14th. The statement announcing his departure did not mention where he is headed in the private sector.
The privatization of Medicaid in Iowa has been contentious between supporters, who say it offers flexibility and predictability, and opponents, who contend it leads to a reduction in services and doesn't save money.
Among the proponents of privatized Medicaid are Governor Reynolds and many Republicans. Opponents include Democrats and many health care providers.
Republican Governor Terry Branstad started the privatization by hiring private national firms to manage the state’s Medicaid program in 2015.