By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capital-Journal, November 08, 2011
Gov. Sam Brownback took a step Tuesday toward a major administration goal by proposing reform in the state's administration of Medicaid and services to 350,000 Kansans to cut costs by more than $850 million over five years.
Brownback said the cornerstone of the initiative was an integrated care system -- to be called KanCare -- intended to improve health outcomes for the disabled, elderly and low-income Kansas. Those changes are designed to bend the cost curve of Medicaid down over time, he said.
"This is really an important reform," the first-term Republican governor said. "Everything was on the table."
Following town hall meetings in Kansas and consultation with reformers in other states, Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer convinced the governor the anticipated rise in Medicaid costs to Kansas could be reduced by one-third.
Colyer said the savings would be achieved without slashing Medicaid provider rates, throwing clients out of the system or reducing "essential" benefits.
Medicaid has been one of the largest and fastest-growing expenditures in state government, accounting for nearly $2.8 billion in overall spending.
Portions of the reform can be accomplished by the governor issuing an executive order, but portions require approval of the Kansas Legislature.
The state also will apply for a waiver from the federal government to speed adjustments to Medicaid in Kansas, Colyer said.
http://cjonline.com/news/2011-11-08/brownback-seeks-850m-medicaid-savings
Read Governor Brownback's official press release: Administration Announces Medicaid Reforms