For Immediate Release:
May 14th, 2015
Contact: Rep. Todd Novak, 608-266-7502
Rep. Novak Lauds Plan to Preserve Long Term Care
Authors Proposal to Repeal Governor’s Plan
Madison – Today, Rep. Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville) applauded the announcement of Republican leaders to reject the proposed changes to long term care services in Governor Walker’s proposed state budget. Offering an improved path forward, the updated plan directs the state to begin a comprehensive review of FamilyCare and IRIS services and would allow Wisconsin to begin negotiations with the federal government to derive cost savings.
“The past several weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with a number of constituents and tour every Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) in my district,” said Rep. Novak. “In the many conversations I’ve had, one thing was made clear: the changes proposed by the Governor would have had a severe impact on the care received by many in southwest Wisconsin.”
In removing the Governor’s changes to FamilyCare and IRIS, the new proposal gives the Department of Health Services limited authority to negotiate with the federal government on potential changes to FamilyCare to better integrate long term and medical care. The process would include several notable components, such as: mandatory public and stakeholder input, robust, self-directed care with budget authority, preservation of ADRC services, and final approval of any federal waiver applications by the Joint Committee on Finance.
“I think that the proposal announced earlier today is a step forward in my fight to maintain long term care services for the people of the 51st district,” said Rep. Novak. “The input I received from constituents like Mary of Monroe and Dan of Darlington were invaluable in helping me build a case to revisit and adjust Governor Walker’s proposal. I’m proud to have been successful in appealing for this change.”
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