Next KDHE secretary must oversee, troubleshoot KanCare

Because second terms usually bring new faces, it was not surprising to see news Monday of the resignation of Kansas Secretary of Health and Environment Robert Moser. Perhaps best known as one of the architects of KanCare, the Brownback administration’s privatization of Medicaid in the state, Moser brought his perspective and credibility as a rural physician to the crucial post. Whoever replaces him will need to be aggressive about overseeing and troubleshooting KanCare, especially if the managed-care companies’ losses and providers’ payment complaints continue. With the governor and GOP lawmakers viewing the Obama administration’s regulation as out of control, Kansas’ environment also could use a strong public defender at KDHE. – Rhonda Holman

This story was originally published November 11, 2014 at 2:03 PM.