Wisconsin Medicaid Shortfall Improves, But Cuts Still Lurk

Although Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s administration said the state Medicaid program’s shortfall has improved by more than $300 million, cost-cutting measures that could result in 65,000 people losing Medicaid coverage are still on track, according to an Associated Press/Bloomberg Businessweek report.

Previously, the BadgerCare deficit was estimated to be $554 million, but it now stands at $232 million, according to the report. Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary Dennis Smith said the shortfall improved due to lower-than-expected enrollment figures, less expensive Medicare Part B payments and a decrease in beneficiary costs.

Wisconsin’s cost-saving plan still must be approved by CMS. The lower deficit has led some to call on Gov. Walker to reduce the large Medicaid cuts and keep more low-income and poor residents on the health plans.

Wisconsin Medicaid Shortfall Improves, But Cuts Still Lurk

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