TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas health department employees who will handle complicated applications for Medicaid health coverage will work out of state Department for Children and Families offices.

The agencies announced a partnership Monday to have Kansas Department of Health and Environment workers located in 17 DCF offices across the state. Officials said the arrangements will make both agencies more efficient and expand their reach.

KDHE employees are moving into DCF offices in Wichita and Hays this week and into another 15 DCF offices by January.

The state budget approved by legislators for the fiscal year beginning July 1 allows KDHE to hire 313 additional workers to handle Medicaid applications for the elderly and people with disabilities, starting in January. The move was a response to issues with a private contractor’s processing of applications.

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