(Governor Jim Doyle announced today, October 31, that his administration has reached an agreement in principle on the next important component of his BadgerCare Plus plan to expand health care in Wisconsin. Under the proposal, those who are uninsured and who do not have children under their care may now have access to primary and preventive care. The five-year federal waiver proposal builds upon Wisconsin’s existing BadgerCare Plus program. The Governor thanked Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin and other members of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation for their bipartisan work to encourage the federal government to support this new health care plan that will benefit some of the state’s hardest working residents.)
Statement of Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin on Federal Approval to Expand BadgerCare Plus
“It’s no secret that along with other financial worries, Wisconsinites face skyrocketing health care costs. In this difficult economic climate, many are forced to delay health care until it is critically necessary and even more costly. I applaud today’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announcement approving Wisconsin’s proposal to expand BadgerCare Plus. With this approval, our state’s innovative health care system takes another step forward, ensuring that many more Wisconsinites have access to basic health care services.
I have long championed this proposal. Today’s announcement means that 98% of Wisconsin residents will now have access to affordable health care coverage, and we will take great steps to reach the chronically uninsured. An estimated 81,000 adults will gain access to primary health care, preventive services, and generic drugs.
I commend DHHS for recognizing Wisconsin’s leadership in health care coverage for its residents and encourage all eligible individuals to take advantage of the expanded coverage now offered under BadgerCare Plus.”
