GOP blocks proposal to invest $1.6 Billion in Wisconsin’s health care and lower premiums by 7-11%.
Madison, WI – Today, Wisconsin Republicans stripped Medicaid expansion from Gov. Tony Evers’ proposed state budget in a preliminary vote, setting the stage for the larger budget battle to come before the full legislature.
Expanding Medicaid in Wisconsin will provide affordable health insurance coverage to 82,000 Wisconsinites, bring investments totaling more than $1.6 billion into Wisconsin’s health care system for local hospitals, dental care, childhood lead poisoning, long term care and behavioral health. Evers’ proposal is also expected to lower premiums in the individual marketplace by as much as 7 to 11 percent.
Wisconsin Republicans chose partisan politics over their constituents today in voting against Governor Evers’ proposal. A recent Marquette Poll found that 70 percent of Wisconsinites support the plan to expand the state’s Medicaid program.
“Wisconsin Republicans are defying the will of the people by blocking Medicaid expansion. Voters in Wisconsin made clear by electing Governor Evers they wanted to fully expand Medicaid and end the relentless attacks from Republicans on their health care. Unfortunately, Wisconsin Republicans are hellbent on destroying Medicaid and their decision not to expand the program proves they’d rather score political points with the Trump administration than see Wisconsinites get the coverage they need,” said Brad Woodhouse, executive director of Protect Our Care.
In the months to come, Protect Our Care will continue to advocate on behalf of every Wisconsinite, all of whom will benefit from the improvements to healthcare accepting the Medicaid expansion would bring – including lower premiums, local investments, and expanded coverage.