A meeting scheduled between Gov. Mark Dayton and the chief executive of Minneapolis-based UCare was postponed on Monday.

UCare had sought the meeting to discuss ways the health insurer might be able retain a portion of business it stands to lose due to competitive bidding results announced in July.

"We are gathering all of the necessary information to ensure it is a constructive meeting," Matt Swenson, a spokesman for the governor, said in a statement.

Minnesota hires managed care organizations for most people covered through the Medicaid and MinnesotaCare public health insurance programs, and UCare currently is the largest private health plan in these programs.

Last month, Dayton announced competitive bidding results that would save the state $450 million, but drop UCare as an option for most enrollees. The change would affect about 360,000 enrollees.

The contract for the programs generated about half of UCare's $3 billion in revenue during 2014.

Several counties are expected to appeal the state's decision as it applies to both UCare and a county-based purchasing organization called South Country Health Alliance, which is being dropped in 10 of 11 counties.

In a correspondence with House Minority Leader Paul Thissen, state Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson wrote last week: "The results of those appeals may impact plan selection."

Christopher Snowbeck • 612-673-4744

Twitter: @chrissnowbeck