Rob Sand says he'll work to end privatized Medicaid on Day 1

Driving the news: Sand shared his early priorities with reporters during his first press conference as governor-elect in the Capitol rotunda Monday.

• "This is not a thing that we can do overnight. But my intention is that that process begins on day one," Sand said.

Catch up quick: Former Republican Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad transferred management of Iowa's Medicaid program from the state to private insurance companies in 2016, arguing the move would improve care and save taxpayers money.

• The program launched April 1, 2016, transferring coverage for around 94% of Medicaid members to three privately managed care organizations.
• A 2021 report from Sand's state auditor's office found an 891% increase in administrative law judges overturning denials of Medicaid services after privatization.

The other side: State officials disputed the findings, saying changes to the appeals process made comparisons misleading.

Between the lines: Sand has said on the campaign trail that he favors shifting management to nonprofits rather than returning to the former state-run program.

What's next: The current insurers have contracts through June 2031.