Missouri Medicaid program

I'm writing to bring attention to an unfortunate decision by the state's Medicaid program, MO HealthNet, which denied a contract renewal to our preferred Medicaid health plan.

Molina Healthcare is a long-standing, physician-owned company that understands what it means to serve vulnerable patients and its doctors with trust, compassion and fairness. Nearly 500 of our patients have chosen Molina as their Medicaid insurer, and Molina has always been quick and efficient in paying or resolving claims. They have well-established policies and procedures that are easy to use. They pay a fair amount for the services we provide our patients and they've been very helpful as our office has moved toward electronic record keeping.

Despite its fine record of service, Molina was denied a contract in a questionable process that made no sense to me as a physician. As a result, our practice will be thrown into an administrative mess that will cost hours of extra work, countless dollars and adversely affect many of our patients.

The state's decision reduces competition and, worst of all, limits members' options, which is never good for patients. We're urging our patients, their families and all concerned Missourians to write MO HealthNet, the governor and our state legislators to demand that they reconsider this terrible decision.

DR. MARTHA McGRAW, Fredericktown, Mo.