Topeka A long line of health care providers today appeared before a legislative committee to complain about problems under KanCare, the privately run managed-care program that provides medical services to nearly 400,000 Kansans. <\/p>\n
Hospitals across the state have complained about delays in payments and unwarranted claim denials from the three private insurance companies that run the program. And prior authorization requirements for treatments have in some cases created significant delays in patient care, health officials have said. <\/p>\n
But state officials and representatives of the companies said many of the concerns are being addressed and that some problems were inevitable in the transition to KanCare, which is administered by three private insurance companies: Amerigroup Kansas Inc., Sunflower State Health Plan and United Healthcare Community Plan of Kansas. <\/p>\n
\"Claims are being overpaid, underpaid and in some areas, not being paid at all,\" Tom Bell, president and chief executive officer of the Kansas Hospital Association, told members of the House-Senate oversight committee on KanCare, which held its first meeting. <\/p>\n
Lawrence Memorial Hospital, however, has reported not running into similar problems with KanCare. <\/p>\n
Cindy Luxem, chief executive officer of the Kansas Health Care Association, said nursing homes were having serious problems with KanCare. <\/p>\n
\"There has been a huge administrative price to pay with the new systems. These are dollars and resources not being used for patient care, not going into the quality of care for our residents,\" Luxem said. <\/p>\n
But several health care groups said while there have been serious concerns, they acknowledged that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment was working hard to address them. <\/p>\n
Kari Bruffett, director of the Division of Health Care Finance at KDHE, said the agency and the managed care organizations were making progress on resolving problems. <\/p>\n
Jean Rumbaugh, chief executive officer of Sunflower State Health Plan, said the company was taking steps to ensure improved care. <\/p>\n
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Originally posted here: <\/p>\n
Health care providers raise concerns about KanCare<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Topeka A long line of health care providers today appeared before a legislative committee to complain about problems under KanCare, the privately run managed-care program that provides medical services to nearly 400,000 Kansans. Hospitals across the state have complained about delays in payments and unwarranted claim denials from the three private insurance companies that run the program. And prior authorization requirements for treatments have in some cases created significant delays in patient care, health officials have said Continue reading