TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has formally
submitted an executive order to legislators to reorganize three
state agencies that deal with social services.
The order signed Monday by Brownback is part of his
administration’s plan to overhaul the state’s $2.9 billion Medicaid
program, which provides health coverage for the poor, disabled and
elderly.
The changes sought by Brownback will take effect July 1, unless
one chamber votes to reject his order by April 6.
The order would shrink the Department of Social and
Rehabilitation Services so it would focus on services to children
and families, removing it from involvement with Medicaid.
Services for disabled and mentally ill would move from SRS into
the Department on Aging, which also would pick up some regulatory
responsibilities from the Department of Health and Environment.