The State of Kansas is considering major changes to its Medicaid program that provides medical services for poor, disabled and elderly citizens. Managing a Medicaid budget of nearly $3 billion is a central policy concern for the state.

The dilemma of controlling Medicaid costs and delivering quality services will be the topic of discussion at a Thursday, April 12, policy summit sponsored by the Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs at Wichita State University.

The summit is from 2-5 p.m. in WSU’s Rhatigan Student Center, third floor ballroom. There is no charge. To register, contact Gayle Martin, (316) 978-6541 or gayle.martin@wichita.edu, prior to Wednesday, April 11.

The policy summit will begin with a brief history of Medicaid in Kansas and a discussion of reforms in other states. State officials will discuss current and future changes to the Medicaid program followed by a panel of service providers who will comment on the impact of the changes on clients and patients. A question and answer session will follow.

Speakers are Kari Bruffett, director, Kansas Department of Health and Environment Division of Health Care Financing; Scott Brunner, senior analyst, Kansas Health Institute; Mark Dugan, chief of staff, Kansas Lieutenant Governor’s office; and Duane Goossen, vice president for fiscal and health policy, Kansas Health Institute.

Panelists are Tim Kaufman, deputy director of human services, Sedgwick County; Ron Pasmore, CEO, KETCH; and Dave Sanford, CEO, GraceMed Health Clinic.