TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Three managed care organizations have increased their presence in Kansas with staff and facilities as they prepare to implement the KanCare system of Medicaid services.

The hiring of several hundred employees — and more likely in the coming years — is an unexpected bonus for Gov. Sam Brownback. New hires mean more revenue and economic activity in Kansas as the state aims to save nearly $1 billion over five years by curbing the growth in its share of health care costs.

"I didn't anticipate that, but I'm glad to hear it," Brownback said of the job creation. "I'm excited about what they've put forward. The idea that we're able to add preventive dental care and hold costs down over five years, I'm really excited about that."