TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A new report says Medicaid and other services will cost Kansas about $47 million more than expected during the next two budget years. The new estimates Thursday complicate the budget picture for Republican Governor Sam Brownback and the GOP-dominated Legislature. The report was issued by legislative researchers and Brownback's budget staff. State officials and university economists were expected Friday to issue more pessimistic projections for state tax collections through June 2017 that are likely to leave a projected deficit in the state's current budget. The report covers cash assistance, foster care and Medicaid's health coverage for the poor and disabled, which cost the state $1.1 billion annually. The new estimates are $16.6 million higher for the current budget and $30.8 million higher for the fiscal year beginning in July 2017.
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