Wisconsin needs $760 million more for Medicaid

MADISON, Wis. - The state Department of Health Services says it needs $760 million more over the next two-year state budget to pay for current services in the Medicaid program.

The new estimate was included in the agency's budget request submitted to Gov. Scott Walker's administration made public Tuesday. That budget begins in mid-2015. The governor will submit a budget proposal to the Legislature early next year.

The state is already projected to have a nearly $1.8 billion shortfall heading into the next budget, without taking into account new expenses like the additional request for Medicaid.

Walker rejected accepting money under the federal health care overhaul law to help pay for Medicaid expansion, and instead tightened income eligibility while also broadening the program to include everyone at poverty level.