Healthcare

Wisconsin is one of twelve states nationally (and one of only two in the Midwest) that has not accepted Medicaid expansion, which would extend coverage to an estimated 89,700 people in our state. It makes no fiscal sense for elected Wisconsin Republicans to refuse expansion of Medicaid. It has cost Wisconsin taxpayers $1.6 billion over ten years. We are subsidizing other states’ Medicaid expansion, but not enjoying those same benefits here in Wisconsin.

More recently, $15 million was approved by the legislature to help address the closure of two hospitals and 19 clinics in the Chippewa Valley. This funding is critical for addressing new gaps in emergency departments, urgent care, OB care, mental health treatment and EMS coverage. Now Republicans are attaching strings. Their refusal to release $15 million (already approved) to respond to the Eau Claire region’s Hospital Sister’s Health System (HSHS) closures is pure politics, and trying to have it both ways. They promote the idea of local control, but won’t provide the flexibility needed for the local healthcare providers. The elected Republican led legislature does not have the expertise to understand the intricacies of a healthcare organization. They’re having a hard enough time getting things done at the state level.

Every citizen in Wisconsin should have basic healthcare coverage. I will work to expand Medicaid in Wisconsin and to ensure affordable access to health services for every Wisconsin resident.