Topeka ? State government will have to pay $58 million more than previously expected over the next 15 months to preserve existing programs for poor, disabled and elderly Kansans, officials said Thursday.

Those officials released cost estimates for seven programs, the largest of which provide medical services to the needy and nursing home care for the elderly.

Legislators budgeted about $1.9 billion for the programs for the fiscal year ending June 30, but the new forecast predicts the state will have to chip in an additional $19.5 million.

For the fiscal year beginning July 1, legislators approved nearly $2 billion in spending, but the state would have to provide an additional $38.9 million.

The new estimates came two weeks after legislators approved an $11.3 billion budget for fiscal 2006. When they return April 27 from their annual spring break, they will consider one last spending bill.

The budget approved by legislators reflected GOP leaders’ plans to increase annual spending on public schools by $127 million without raising state taxes. The spending plan would tap the state’s cash reserves, which critics contend would create problems for the 2007 budget.

The new estimates for social service costs make the financial picture for 2007 look worse, raising questions about whether legislators must raise additional revenues or rethink some spending recommendations.

The latest estimates were drafted by legislative researchers, governor’s budget staff, Department on Aging officials and Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services officials.