KDHE could face cuts under Brownback's options

Gov. Brownback looks to KDHE cuts in response to
 budget shortfall. File photo by Orlin Wagner - AP 

One way Governor Sam Brownback is suggesting the state patch it's budget hole includes a $35 million cut to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

According to KHI News, the cut will likely force KDHE to reduce payments to the three managed care organizations that administer KanCare, the Medicaid program in Kansas. The companies likely would pass on those cuts in the form of lower reimbursements to health providers.

In addition to the KDHE cuts, Brownback would also take $185 million from the state highway fund, and cut spending to state universities by 3 percent, about $17 million, for the fiscal year beginning July 1. That would continue a 3 percent cut he ordered earlier this month.

Read more.