Doyle looks to cover Medicaid shortfall

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Gov. Jim Doyle's administration can't use a $127 million accounting trick to help cover a shortfall in state health programs for the poor.

That's according to the Legislature's nonpartisan budget and audit offices report.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the Democratic administration would now have to seek lawmakers' approval to push Medicaid payments to health care providers into the next budget to help cover a hole in the current one.

The Legislature, now controlled by Democrats, isn't to return until January, when Doyle leaves office.

A Legislative Fiscal Bureau memo says even if the payments can be delayed, the state still must come up with an estimated $58 million - or make even larger cuts - to balance the Medicaid budget.

Health Services spokeswoman Stephanie Smiley said her agency is reviewing the finding.