The Univac II/1108 computer. To the best of our knowledge, this is not the make and model of computer that the State of Kansas is upgrading. (Photo via commons.wkikmedia.org)
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The state has again delayed implementation of a new computer system designed to prevent fraud and improve efficiency in applications for social services. The state said Tuesday that no firm date is set to take the $135 million computer system online. The program, called KEES, or Kansas Eligibility and Enforcement System, was originally to go live by October 1, 2013. Sara Belfry, spokeswoman for the state's health department, said a pilot program test last month persuaded the department to delay the rollout again. KEES is intended to bring together enrollments for all programs in the federal-state Medicaid programs. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports startup costs of the project were $85 million, with $60 million from the federal government, followed by an additional $10 million per year for five years for maintenance.