Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and other officials hope the state will give reforms in the health care system a push by expanding insurance coverage for 88,000 government workers and family members.

Sebelius announced Monday that the program that covers state workers is expanding benefits, lowering premiums for some employees and giving some more health plans from which to choose. The changes will take effect when 2008 starts, and employees have until the end of this month to pick a health plan.

Sebelius and Andy Allison, deputy director of the Kansas Health Policy Authority, said the state can provide better coverage without increasing premiums for most employees or spending more money itself. That’s because efforts to emphasize preventive care are paying off with lower claims, they said.

“Health reform does start at home,” Allison said during a news conference. “Beginning today, Kansas is taking a major step forward in providing benefits to its employees that really lead the way for health reform.”