KanCare program earns final federal approval

Topeka — Federal officials have finalized terms with Kansas for the state’s new managed care plan for Medicaid.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved the waiver earlier in December. But federal officials still were working with the state to complete special terms and conditions of the agreement. Gov. Sam Brownback’s office says the final terms were approved late Thursday.

The new system for providing Medicaid services to some 395,000 poor and disabled residents is called KanCare. It takes effect Jan. 1. Three managed care organizations have been contracted to provide the services and coordinate care, as well as building provider networks statewide.

Brownback and his administration hope the changes to a more integrated care system will curb the growth of the state’s share of health care costs.