Russ Feingold: Statements

Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold
On Extending BadgerCare Plus to Uninsured Childless Adults

October 31, 2008

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Russ Feingold made the following statement today after Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced that an agreement has been reached to extend BadgerCare Plus to uninsured childless adults.

“I congratulate Governor Doyle for securing an agreement with the federal government to extend BadgerCare Plus to ensure more Wisconsinites have access to health care. I was pleased to support the Governor’s proposal by working with other members of the Wisconsin delegation to urge Health and Human Services Secretary Leavitt to approve the waiver. Because of this waiver, an estimated 81,000 adults in the state will finally have access to the health care they need, including basic and preventative care and affordable prescription drugs. This approach to lowering the number of uninsured in the state without increasing costs demonstrates once again that Wisconsin is a leader in creating innovative solutions to some of our country’s most complex health care challenges.”

Pending final approval, uninsured childless adults (ages 19 to 64) will be eligible to enroll in BadgerCare Plus if their gross income is below 200% of the federal poverty level and if they did not have access to health insurance within the past calendar year. In an effort to control costs and emphasize management of chronic diseases, all new enrollees are required to complete a health needs assessment and receive a physical exam within one year of joining the plan.


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