RALEIGH, (AP) — North Carolina health officials are celebrating a positive cash balance within the state Medicaid agency for the most recent fiscal year. They're also crediting a consultant's work for helping bring Medicaid finances under control.

 

The state budget office told a General Assembly oversight committee Tuesday that Medicaid had $64 million remaining when the year ended June 30. The state Department of Health and Human Services is in charge of Medicaid.

 

DHHS Secretary Dr. Aldona Wos says the Medicaid budget is in its best shape in five years.

 

The extra cash doesn't include potential backlogged medical reimbursement claims and Medicaid enrollment applications. This year's state budget estimated that amount at $137 million.

 

Lawmakers asked questions about a firm that could receive nearly $7 million for helping improve Medicaid financial operations.