There are two local satellite offices: Johnson County and Wichita. Offices are staffed by KanCare Ombudsman volunteers who have an initial 30 hours of training on Medicaid and customer service and ongoing education classes as they continue to work.
Volunteers assist beneficiaries with questions, issues with the KanCare Clearinghouse and managed care organizations (MCOs), and completing KanCare applications. For in person application assistance, see the Assistance Guide on the Ombudsman Resource Page for a location near you.
Suzanne Lueker, KanCare Ombudsman, joined the office by Appointment in August 2023. Throughout her career, Suzanne has pursued opportunities to advocate for underrepresented populations, most recently serving as executive director for a child advocacy center in Illinois. Suzanne's previous State of Kansas employment includes her time at Kansas State University, serving as the Director of Non-Traditional and Veteran Student Services from 2008-2014. During her tenure, she created the K-State Veterans Center, which expanded the programs, services, and opportunities for military-affiliated students at K-State. Suzanne again served the State of Kansas as Administrator of Permanency for the Department for Children and Families from 2019-2020.
Beyond her work for the state, Suzanne has worked extensively with matters involving child welfare, elder law, and veterans benefits. She has led and served on numerous university, community, and state-wide committees and initiatives, and has held various advocacy roles. Suzanne also has experience practicing alternative dispute resolution, having previously served as a conflict resolution and mediation trainer.
Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Sociology, and a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Mediation from Kansas State University; a Juris Doctorate from Washburn University School of Law, with certificates in Advocacy and Family Law; and a LL.M in Elder Law from Stetson University College of Law.
The primary role of the KanCare Ombudsman Office is to help individuals understand how to navigate the KanCare system, and to assist them in solving any problems or difficulties they encounter. As such, treating people with dignity and respect is a core value in the KanCare Ombudsman Office.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Special Terms and Conditions help define the roles and and duties of the KanCare Ombudsman Office.
Please call or email the KanCare Ombudsman Office to discuss any questions or concerns you may have:
Toll-Free: 1-855-643-8180
Relay: 711
Email: KanCare.Ombudsman@ks.gov