Brownback Says Cuts In Medicaid Rates Possible

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback is not ruling out cutting payments to health care providers under the state’s Medicaid program.

But he told reporters Wednesday that he’s still waiting to see what comes out of discussions about overhauling the program, which covers services to the poor, disabled and elderly.

Brownback’s administration has launched a series of public meetings about Medicaid as part of an overhaul effort led by Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer.

The governor said the goal is to reduce administrative costs within the program so that the state doesn’t have to decrease the number of people receiving services.

The issue came up during a Statehouse news conference Brownback held to assess his administration’s first six months in office.

Brownback said the state is moving to create private sector jobs.