The Department of Health Services projects Wisconsin’s Medicaid program will exceed its 2025–27 budget by $144.1 million in GPR, about 1.5% over the nearly $9.7 billion allocated. DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson told lawmakers that $100 million of the gap stems from the budget providing less than what the agency estimated was needed to maintain services.

Lower-than-expected enrollment in BadgerCare Plus and SSI Managed Care saved $93 million, but higher enrollment in Family Care and other long-term care programs will cost $71 million more than budgeted. Nursing homes, behavioral health, and other programs add another $66 million. Even with the projected gap, DHS expects the Medicaid Trust Fund to finish the biennium with a $20.4 million balance.