Newly-created position to bridge gaps in health care services

TOPEKA –  Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Jeff Andersen is pleased to welcome Kolloh Nimley to serve as the agency’s KanCare Liaison. She will work closely with the KDHE divisions of Public Health and Health Care Finance to identify gaps in health care services. She will also collaborate with contractors, stakeholders, policymakers, legislators and the general public to improve healthcare outcomes.

“Our Public Health and Medicaid programs serve the same populations, so it is important that we focus on comprehensive services that promote Kansans’ well-being,” said Governor Jeff Colyer. “I am pleased that we now have a designated individual who will look for data-driven solutions to assist KanCare consumers.”

Monday, July 2 was Nimley’s first day on the job. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of North Dakota, a master’s in political science from the University of Oklahoma and is a doctoral candidate in healthcare administration at Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio. She has more than 19 years of experience in policy work, addressing public health, global health and health care policy in the United Kingdom, State of Minnesota and the International Medical Graduates program with the State of Minnesota, similar to Kansas’ J-1 Visa Waiver program.

Nimley will, among other duties, work with KanCare Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) in reviewing data related to KanCare recipients to identify gaps in coverage where an existing program may provide a benefit to consumers. She will work in the Office of the Secretary, in Topeka.

“We are pleased that Kolloh has joined KDHE,” said Secretary Andersen. “Her extensive education and experience will be an asset in building bridges and connectivity between the Kansas Medicaid program and public health offerings—contributing to our efforts to take a more holistic approach to the healthcare of Kansans.”

KDHE’s Division of Public Health includes the following bureaus: Community Health Systems, Disease Control and Prevention, Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics, Family Health, Health Promotion, Oral Health and the Center for Performance Management.

KDHE’s Division of Health Care Finance includes KanCare, Electronic Health Records, Medicaid Program Integrity, the State Employee Health Plan, Office of Inspector General, Projections and Informatics, and Health Information Technology and the Health Information Exchange.

The KanCare Liaison is different from the KanCare Ombudsman position, which is designed to assist KanCare consumers directly with case-specific concerns.

Caryn Tyson Honored By Kansas Farm Bureau’s Endorsement of Her Candidacy

(PARKER, KS) – Caryn Tyson, a Kansas State Senator running for the Kansas 2^nd Congressional District, released the following statement today regarding her endorsement from the Kansas Farm Bureau.

“Agriculture is an essential part of the Kansas economy and it is an essential part of my life. My husband, Tim, and I are fifth generation Kansans who own a ranch in Linn County. I’m proud to be a rancher, proud to be a Kansan, and proud to be endorsed by the Kansas Farm Bureau. I’m truly honored by their support and look forward to being a champion for Kansas’ farmers and ranchers in Congress,” Tyson said.

Caryn Tyson has degrees in mathematics and computer science from Kansas State and a master’s degree in engineering management from KU. After graduating she began working in the Information Technology industry and continued working in this field for more than 25 years. Caryn’s work included space shuttle support for NASA where she received awards for achievement and teamwork.

Caryn and her husband, Tim – both fifth-generation Kansans – own and operate Tyson Ranch in Linn County, established in 1871 by Tim’s great-great-grandfather.

Governor Colyer Orders Flags to Be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Victims of Capital Gazette Shooting

Topeka – The White House, this morning issued a directive to lower flags to half-staff.

Following the directive of President Donald Trump, in accordance with Executive Order 10-12, Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer has ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff from now until sundown July 3, 2018 as a mark of respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated on June 28, 2018 at the Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland.

“I pray for the families and loved ones of this terrible tragedy.  The news media perform an important duty in our society and should never have to fear losing their lives in the course of that duty,” said Governor Jeff Colyer.

To subscribe to receive email alerts when the Governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit http://governor.ks.gov/subscribe-to-flag-honors.

TOPEKA—Fiscal year-end tax receipts came in $1.21 billion above last year, and $317.81 million over fiscal year predictions, according to the latest revenue report released Monday.

Year-end tax receipts were bolstered by a more than 20 percent increase in June collections, with $133.02 million over last year, which was $143.79 million more than expected for the month.

“With tax receipts coming in above expectations every month during the last year, there’s optimism that this trend will continue,” Secretary Sam Williams said. “The increase in sales tax collections indicate more retail spending precipitated by wage gains from the federal tax cuts passed into law six months ago.”

Fiscal year retail sales tax collections took in $55.82 million more than last year. For the month, sales tax collections came in $6.98 million more than last June, which was $10.76 million more than expectations for the month.

Individual income tax continues to demonstrate strong performance above expectations, with fiscal year collections at $229.42 million more than predicted for the year, and $1.07 billion above last year. Individual income tax collections for the month came in $114.03 million more than last June’s receipts.