TOPEKA (AP) – Gov. Sam Brownback is asking Kansas legislators to add $3.4 million to the state budget to help with an overhaul of the Medicaid program.

Brownback submitted his request for the funds Monday. His administration is planning to issue contracts this summer to three companies to manage the $2.9 billion-a-year Medicaid program, which provides health coverage for the poor, the disabled and elderly.

The changes are designed to cut the state’s costs while improving the coordination of medical care.

Brownback is asking legislators to add $1 million to the budget for what he called a robust public education campaign about the coming changes. His request also includes $2.4 million to upgrade the computer system that handles bills submitted by health care providers to the Medicaid program.