The federal government has yet to approve a plan to overhaul the Kansas Medicaid program. The changes would create privatized managed care programs for most Kansans enrolled in Medicaid. There's still some question if the plan will get the required blessing of federal officials. But as KPR's Stephen Koranda reports, state leaders are confident it will be approved.
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Governor Sam Brownback has laid out an ambitious plan to overhaul Medicaid. The goal is to save the state money without reducing health care services. But there’s at least one problem with KanCare, as it’s called…It’s slated to start in January and the federal government hasn’t yet given the OK.
“We talked to other states and it’s not atypical. You kind of get down to the wire sometimes.”
That’s Kari Bruffett, with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. She told a legislative committee this week that KDHE is in contact weekly with federal officials… and they have a face-to-face meeting scheduled for next month.
“Our every intention –beyond intention, all of our plans and all of our efforts and all or our communications right now with members and providers is focused on January 1 st.”
Bruffett says they can move forward with some of the KanCare changes in January if they don’t receive federal approval.
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The federal government has yet to approve proposed changes to the Kansas Medicaid program. But officials in Governor Sam Brownback’s administration remain confident the changes will take effect in January as planned. The changes would create privatized managed care programs for most Kansans enrolled in Medicaid. The goal is to save the state money without reducing health care services. Kari (“carrie”) Bruffett is with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. She told a legislative committee this week that it’s not unusual for a federal decision like this be handed down at the last minute.
“Our every intention – beyond intention, all of our plans and all of our efforts and all or our communications right now with members and providers is focused on January 1st.”
Bruffett says KDHE has been in contact with federal officials and they have a face-to-face meeting scheduled for next month.