Feds Approve Kansas Medicaid Overhaul

Governor Sam Brownback's administration has been working on a plan to make sweeping changes to Medicaid in Kansas.

Today, the federal government gave the go-ahead to the overhaul.

The proposed “KanCare” program required federal approval because the federal government pays for a bulk of the services. Brownback says the new program will be able to save money without cutting services, and that it will add some benefits, like expanded dental care.

So instead of cutting services, cutting providers, we’re adding,” says Brownback. “This is the way forward folks, this is the way forward. You’re going to see a lot of states doing this sort of model.”

The changes will place most Medicaid recipients into managed care programs run by private contractors. KanCare is set to launch January 1st.

Some advocacy groups have questioned if the process is moving too fast and if Medicaid recipients will be ready for the changes.

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