TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican Gov. Sam Brownback won't delay an overhaul of Medicaid in Kansas, officials said Thursday, despite bipartisan concern among legislators that his administration is moving too quickly to turn the entire program over to private health insurance companies.

Brownback expects the state to issue contracts this year to three companies to manage the $2.9 billion program, which provides health coverage to poor families and disabled and elderly Kansans.

The contracts would take effect Jan. 1, 2013. Each company must provide coverage statewide, so that participants can choose among plans. The administration also is promising that the contracts will contain financial incentives for the contractors to improve services while controlling costs.

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