DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Two Democratic lawmakers are seeking to halt or amend Gov. Terry Branstad’s plan to privatize Iowa’s Medicaid program. Sen. Amanda Ragan and Sen. Liz Mathis on Thursday sent a letter to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. They say they have “grave concerns” about the privatization plans and ask that federal officials deny Iowa’s application to set up the private system.

If a denial is not an option, the lawmakers ask that the state be subject to additional terms, including a longer time period to phase-in the new program. They argue that the plan to implement the new system in January is moving too quickly.

In a statement, Branstad spokesman Jimmy Centers says the shift will help the state find savings, while improving care.