TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – A key Kansas legislator says the state can’t let a fear of change prevent it from overhauling its $2.9 billion Medicaid program.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Marc Rhoades responded Tuesday to criticism from fellow lawmakers and others that Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration is moving too quickly with changing Medicaid, which provides health coverage for the poor, disabled and needy.

Rhoades, a Newton Republican, acknowledged concerns about Brownback’s plan to have three private companies manage the program.

But he said the state can’t sustain its current program because of rising costs and can’t let fear lock it into doing nothing.

Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer, who led the team that drafted the administration’s Medicaid plan, says the state will award its
contracts this summer.