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Facing increasing criticism from health care providers about recent cuts in Medicaid reimbursement rates, Gov. Sam Brownback said Wednesday that he will attempt to restore the cuts by increasing a tax on hospitals. In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, Brownback said he was forced in May to order a 4 percent cut in provider reimbursement rates after efforts to negotiate an increase in the surcharge failed. (McLean, 8/17)

The federal government gives Kansas $1.28 for every dollar the state spends on Medicaid, so when Brownback cut provider rates he also triggered a more than $70 million cut to federal aid. Restoring the cut would allow the state to recoup some of that money. (Dunn and Woodall, 8/17)

The waiting list for Medicaid services for Kansans with physical disabilities has dropped by more than 1,700 since last year but hasn’t budged for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. In July, 3,450 Kansans with intellectual or developmental disabilities were waiting for home and community-based services provided through Medicaid, as were 10 Kansans with physical disabilities. (Hart, 8/17)

Computer giant Hewlett Packard Enterprises has entered into a $215 million contract with the state of Kansas to upgrade a Medicaid computer system that tracks patient claims payments to providers. According to a recent news release from the California-based company, Hewlett Packard Enterprises, or HPE, will work with partners that include Kansas City-based Cerner to overhaul the state’s Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) to meet new federal standards. (Marso, 8/17)