Kansas Legislature to get briefing next week on proposed overhaul of Medicaid rules

? Kansas lawmakers get a briefing next week on an initiative to consider changes in the state’s Medicaid program.

Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer is scheduled to speak Monday to the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Health Policy Oversight. Colyer will discuss the status of efforts by Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration to overhaul the health care program for needy Kansans.

Brownback appointed Colyer earlier this year to lead a team that’s examining Medicaid. The team had four public forums this summer.

The state budget has long been under stress because of Medicaid costs, which have risen nearly 50 percent over the past eight years.

Brownback has said the state must find ways to continue delivering good services for less money. Critics fear Brownback will pursue big spending cuts.