Medicaid A factor in Minnesota budget surplus

The state's unexpected $876 million surplus is partly due to lower-than-expected Medicaid enrollment.

The Washington Post: Months After Shutdown Fight, Minnesota Projects An $876 Million Surplus
Minnesota officials, however, say their budget surplus is the result of factors unique to the state. For example, it has regained about a third of the jobs lost since the recession began. ... It has also taken unusual steps to reduce its Medicaid spending. The state is one of four to expand its Medicaid program before the health reform law requires it to do so in 2014. That expansion has seen lower-than-expected enrollment, leading to lower costs (Kliff, 12/1).

The Associated Press: Good news: Minnesota Expects $876 Million Surplus
[S]tate spending for health care turned out to be lower, and is predicted to continue to be lower, than earlier estimates. State Budget Director Margaret Kelly said that's due in part to additional federal funding for Medicaid, and smaller enrollment in several new health programs for the needy than expected (Condon, 12/1).

Minnesota Public Radio: Budget Surplus Gives State Officials Wiggle Room In Legislative Session
[GOP House Speaker Kurt] Zellers also said Republican efforts to limit government spending worked. However, most of the of the savings in state spending are a result of a slower rate of demand for state subsidized health insurance -; something [Gov. Mark] Dayton and the Legislature have little control over (Scheck, 12/2).