TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Private health foundations have given Kansas a $125,000 grant to help the state review its Medicaid program.

Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer said Thursday the grant will pay for public hearings and a process that involves interested parties in discussions about changing Medicaid, which covers health care for the poor and disabled. Colyer, a surgeon, is leading the review.

The private donors include the Kansas Health Foundation, the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City and the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund.

Gov. Sam Brownback initiated the review of the Medicaid program because of its rising costs. The administration says it has received more than 120 ideas from the public about improving health care and containing costs.

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