TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ The company currently providing managed care for Medicaid patients in Kansas is fighting a state decision to hand the big-dollar contract to two other companies.

Centene Corporation has asked a federal court to prevent the Kansas Health Policy Authority from enforcing its decision, saying the agency ignored state law. In August, the statewide contract was awarded to UniCare Health Plan of Kansas.

A second contract for northeast and southeast Kansas is going to Children's Mercy Family Health Partners, which is owned by Kansas City-based Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics.

The two vendors are expected to receive 250 million dollars through the contracts, which go into effect January First and cover 16,000 low-income people in Kansas.