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Barbour said the Medicaid shortfall had been anticipated to be about $20 million for the year, but it now appears the government health insurance program for the needy is $34 million short.
Barbour said during a news conference Friday that letters are being sent to providers by the Division of Medicaid to inform them about the delay.
House and Senate negotiators are trying to reach a budget compromise for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Barbour will call legislators back for a special session to vote on a budget once a deal is reached.