Medicaid budget gap shrinks by more than $300 million

The state’s Medicaid budget deficit is $300 million less than originally thought, according to a new report filed with the Joint Finance Committee. Department of Health Services officials now say they only need to cut $231.8 million, or $92.3 million in state funds, to fill the gap. Lower than expected enrollment, lower costs per enrollee, and smaller Medicare Part B premiums were among the reasons for the revised estimate. (WHN, 1/4)