At a luncheon sponsored by Wisconsin Health News and Badger Bay Management, Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary Dennis Smith gave an update on DHS’s Medicaid reforms. Smith also discussed his unique experiences working on Medicaid waivers at both the state and federal levels.

Smith discussed in depth Wisconsin’s decision to retain coverage levels in spite of the state’s budget crunch and the federal government’s suggestion that the state could reduce coverage. Smith’s proposed changes to Wisconsin’s medical assistance programs, particularly those changes that would require recipients to pay a pro-rated premium, are being watched closely since they are similar to some of the Obamacare requirements that will go into effect in 2014.

Video of the event from Wisconsin Eye is available by clicking here.

This post was authored by Emily Kelchen.