Meetings To Be Held On Medicaid Overhaul

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration will sponsor meetings in 12 cities next month on its plans to overhaul the state’s Medicaid program.

Administration officials say the meetings are designed to educate Medicaid participants and health care providers about the coming changes. The $2.9 billion-a-year program covers medical services for the poor, disabled and elderly.

Brownback plans to turn management of the entire Medicaid program over to three private insurance companies beginning in January.

The first meetings will be held Sept. 24 in Manhattan, Pittsburg, Colby and Dodge City. Other sessions will be held Sept. 25 in Atchison, Chanute, Russell and Pratt, and on Sept. 26 in Olathe, Emporia, Hutchinson and El Dorado.

In each city, Medicaid participants and health care providers will have separate meetings.