Molina Healthcare seeks injunction over Medicaid contract

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An insurance provider that lost its contract with the state to provide Medicaid services is seeking an injunction against the New Mexico Human Services Department and the agency's secretary. The Albuquerque Journal reports that Molina Healthcare also plans to seek a temporary restraining order. The company claims the consultant hired by the state to help evaluate Medicaid proposals has a conflict of interest involving one of the successful bidders and that not all stakeholders — including state insurance regulators and child welfare officials — were involved in the procurement process. The Human Services Department says the process was competitive and fair and that Molina can protest following the end of the procurement period. A recent financial filing indicates the loss of the contract will slash hundreds of millions of dollars from Molina's premium revenues. ___ Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com