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DHS reports larger-than-expected carryforward and past-premium tax receipts to help DD waitlist
Summary
DHS told the committee carryforward balances rose to $259 million versus a $211 million projection and reported $13.5 million in past-premium tax receipts that will be used per statute (50% to reduce the developmental-disability waiting list).
DHS provided a fiscal update showing fiscal-year carryforward balances of about $259,000,000, above an earlier projection of $211,000,000. Officials said the higher carryforward will help in coming years but cautioned the Medicaid trust fund is dependent on revenue streams that fluctuate (for example, consumption-based taxes).
The department also reviewed the newly created past-premium tax trust fund and said it had collected approximately $13,500,000; under the law, 50% of that pool is available to reduce the developmental-disability (DD) waiting list and the remainder is earmarked for other waiver services. DHS said it is preparing to release additional DD slots as funds are routed through Department of Finance and Administration and toward provider readiness.
Committee members asked about a 'safe balance' for the trust fund; DHS responded that projections vary and that the department expects to exhaust some revenue sources by 2022 if no structural changes occur, underscoring ongoing transformation efforts.
