Newz from Brownbackistan: Kansas' Medicaid shift hasn't gone well, official says

[deminks]

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/health/2015/04/18/medicaid-managed-care-disability-kansas/26007173/

Rocky Nichols, executive director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, warns Iowans that they should watch closely as their state hires managed-care companies to run their Medicaid program.

Kansas has made the same shift over the past two years, and it has not gone well, he said. "Kansas is not just on the leading edge — it's on the bleeding edge when it comes to Medicaid managed care," Nichols said.

(snip)

One example where services have decreased, he said, is in providing case managers to help people with disabilities find the right services. In the past, Kansas' Medicaid program had community agencies provide that assistance regularly and in person, Nichols said.

Now, the private companies have care coordinators who often aren't in the recipients' towns. "They call you on the phone once a month and meet with you in person once a year," he said.

(snip)

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback's office did not respond to a request for comment.

(end snip)

Mission Accomplished, hey Sammy? /sarcasm off