Assembly Republicans Refuse to Expand Health Care Access. Again.

MADISON – Today, Assembly Republicans voted against a budget amendment that would have accepted federal funds to expand BadgerCare to nearly 90,000 Wisconsinites. Through the federal Affordable Care Act, states have the option to expand Medicaid to individuals with income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, expanding Medicaid in Wisconsin would not only make health care more accessible and affordable, but also would generate approximately $1.6 billion in savings for the state.^[1]

“Once again, Republicans have put politics ahead of people by refusing to accept federal funds to expand BadgerCare. Wisconsin is one of just ten states still refusing Medicaid expansion, and that means taxpayer dollars paid to the federal government by hardworking Wisconsinites are going to fund health care in other states,” said Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison). “Too many Wisconsinites are falling through the cracks without access to affordable health care. Yet given the opportunity to expand BadgerCare, Republicans have again turned their backs on the good people of Wisconsin.”

[1] Wisconsin Department of Health Services. “Proposed Budget: Expanding Medicaid Coverage.” April, 14, 2023. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/budget/medicaid-expansion.htm

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