Out-of-state company could do most of states Medicaid managed care

[Hoyt]

1. Centene "manages" significant Medicaid populations in a number of states like Georgia

and many others. They are even getting a contract for portions of California. They also manage beneficiaries who have Medicare Advantage and Medicaid. There are similar companies doing the same. I know we are supposed to hate any privatization around here, and for good reason, but I actually think some of these plans do a better job than throwing Medicaid patients to the mercy of a bunch of independently practicing physicians who often fail to coordinate care. Heck, many physicians won't even take Medicaid unless the choice is being on-call and having to treat a acute condition or accident victim where they aren't likely to get paid anything absent Medicaid.