A former executive of the firm managing part of the privatized Medicaid program in Kansas has asked a judge to toss out counterclaims accusing her of trying to extort $3 million.

Sunflower State Health Plan Inc. and parent Centene Corporation made the extortion claims last month while responding to the federal lawsuit filed in October by former Sunflower Vice President Jacqueline Leary.

Her lawsuit contends she was wrongfully fired after protesting potentially improper cost-cutting moves for the Kansas Medicaid program.

On Monday, Leary asked the court to dismiss the counterclaims brought by her former employer – arguing those accusations were made as retaliation for her filing the lawsuit.

Medicaid covers health services for the poor and disabled. Kansas has turned its administration over to Sunflower and two other private companies.