TOPEKA — One of the state’s original KanCare providers is now suing to maintain its place in the lineup.
Amerigroup filed suit last week, seeking an injunction to block the Colyer administration’s plan for new three-year contracts that do not have Amerigroup as one of the three companies set to offer services through KanCare. The lawsuit also wants the bidding process to be repeated in a way that reflects the expectations of the Medicaid program and the Legislature.
President and CEO of Amerigroup Kansas Frank Clepper says the company’s offer complied with requirements in the KanCare 2.0 request for proposal and was also the lowest among bidders when it comes to overall cost.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says six companies submitted contract applications, with existing partners Sunflower and United HealthCare being renewed and Aetna approved as Amerigroup’s replacement.
Amerigroup has submitted information to KVOE News, including a formal protest to KDHE last month. Should the state decision stand, the Amerigroup contract ends New Year’s Eve. Customers could then choose Aetna, Sunflower or United HealthCare during open enrollment beginning this fall.
Amerigroup has been a KanCare provider since 2013.
