Topeka ? A woman who’s been serving as interim director of Kansas’ Division of Health Care Finance for the past six weeks will have the job permanently.

Kari Bruffett has been promoted by Health and Environment Secretary Robert Moser after serving as interim director since November. The division is part of the health department, overseeing the state’s Medicaid program and the health insurance plan for state employees.

Bruffett previously served as assistant KDHE secretary for policy and external affairs. She’s replacing Andy Allison, who left to become director of the Medicaid program in Arkansas.

Bruffett is taking over as director amid Gov. Sam Brownback’s efforts to overhaul the Kansas Medicaid program, which provides health coverage for about 330,000 people.