State delays unveiling of new KanCare plan; Medicaid director departs

TOPEKA — The administration of Gov. Sam Brownback said Friday the state’s Medicaid director would step down and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment had delayed public release of plans for changing the managed care system serving 425,000 people.

Departure of Medicaid director Mike Randol removed the person frequently relied upon by the Kansas Legislature and advocacy groups to work through bureaucratic, financial and health care controversy arising from operation of the $3.2 billion system managed by three private insurance companies.

KDHE Secretary Susan Mosier, who has oversight of KanCare, said she appreciated Randol’s contribution to development and implementation of privatized Medicaid.

“We appreciate his service to the state of Kansas and wish him well,” Mosier said.

KanCare is the umbrella apparatus for delivery of Medicaid services to low-income elderly people, individuals with disabilities and children in poor families.

Read more: http://www.hdnews.net/news/20171021/state-delays-unveiling-of-new-kancare-plan-medicaid-director-departs