Kan. gov. celebrates reorganization of agencies

TOPEKA, Kan. -  Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback marks a milestone in his administration's efforts to curb the growth in Medicaid spending by reorganizing state agencies.

A ceremony Monday at the Statehouse highlighted the completion of reorganization of social services agencies that provide programs to families, children, the elderly and residents with disabilities.

Kansas now has a Department of Children and Families, replacing the former Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, which is narrowing its mission.

The former Department on Aging has been expanded into the Department on Aging and Disability Services, picking up former SRS programs providing long-term care for the disabled.

Brownback's administration issued contracts last week to three private companies to manage the $2.9 billion-a-year Medicaid program, which covers health care for the poor, disabled and elderly.