On June 29, the Department of Health Services (DHS) submitted its quarterly report to the Joint Finance Committee co-chairs, detailing the latest Medicaid projection for the 2017-19 biennium. DHS estimates a $102.4 million surplus in General Purpose Revenue (GPR) by the end of the biennium (June 30, 2019). The latest projection is $43.7 million more GPR than DHS projected in its March estimate.

DHS attributed the projection changes to a decline in enrollment of children, parents, and caretakers in BadgerCare Plus. However, the decline was partially offset by increased enrollment of childless adults and elderly, blind, and disabled individuals. DHS also cited factors including slightly lower prescription drug expenditures and lower nursing home utilization. Despite being halfway through the biennium, DHS noted that their estimates may continue to fluctuate in FY 19.