Last week, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) submitted the 1332 Waiver for State Innovation that, upon federal approval, would allow Wisconsin to create a state-based reinsurance program for health carriers. Under Act 138, the Wisconsin Health Care Stability Plan, the commissioner of insurance will set payment parameters by March 30 of the […]
DHS Hosts Opioid Forum in Milwaukee
Date Fri, Apr. 13, 2018 - 9:18am By Hamilton
This week, the Department of Health Services (DHS) held a two-day forum in Milwaukee focusing on life-saving strategies to address the opioid crisis in Wisconsin. DHS Opioid Initiatives Director Paul Krupski started off the event with opening remarks, followed by motivational speaker Tony Hoffman, who discussed breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health. Attendees […]
DHS Projects a $59.7 Million GPR Balance in Medicaid for the 2017-19 Biennium
Date Wed, Apr. 11, 2018 - 10:12am By Hamilton
On March 30, the Department of Health Services (DHS) submitted its quarterly report to the Joint Finance Committee chairs, detailing the latest Medicaid projection for the 2017-19 biennium. DHS estimates the state will end the biennium in June 2019 with a balance of $59.7 million general purpose revenue (GPR) and $145.6 million in all funds. […]
OCI Holding Public Comment Period on 1332 Reinsurance Waiver
Date Wed, Mar. 21, 2018 - 3:58pm By Hamilton
On Feb. 27, 2018, Gov. Scott Walker signed the Wisconsin Health Care Stability Plan, a $200 million state-based reinsurance program for health carriers. Implementation of the program requires the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) to seek a 1332 waiver from the federal government. OCI released the draft 1332 waiver, which is available for […]
Signed by Governor: Leading on Lead Act, Wisconsin Health Care Stability Plan, and Worker’s Compensation Fix
Date Thu, Mar. 1, 2018 - 5:03pm By Hamilton
In the last week, Gov. Scott Walker signed several major bills into law. On Wednesday, Feb. 21, in Milwaukee, the governor signed the Leading on Lead Act into law as Act 136. The Act allows water utilities to provide financial assistance to replace water laterals on private property containing lead. The law requires a municipal […]
Wisconsin, 19 Other States File ACA Lawsuit
Date Thu, Mar. 1, 2018 - 2:22pm By Hamilton
Led by Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a coalition of 20 states have filed a lawsuit against the federal government over the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The lawsuit urges the federal district court to rule the ACA unconstitutional and enjoin the operation of the entire law. Congress repealed the […]
Health Care Workforce Briefing at the Capitol
Date Thu, Mar. 1, 2018 - 10:20am By Hamilton
On Feb. 21, the Evidence-Based Health Policy Project, based out of University of Wisconsin – Madison, held a briefing in the state Capitol on policies to support the health care workforce in Wisconsin. The briefing began with an introduction from Sen. Dan Feyen (R-Fond du Lac), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Workforce Development, […]
Bills of Note: Health Care
Date Fri, Feb. 16, 2018 - 11:19am By Hamilton
In his State of the State address, Gov. Scott Walker proposed a Health Care Stability Plan to keep premiums down and create more choices for consumers in Wisconsin. Walker’s plan includes a $200 million reinsurance program and a pre-existing conditions exclusion bill. Other health care initiatives for 2018 include employer group plans, breast density notification, […]
Walmart Capitol Day 2018 Focuses on Minimum Markup Repeal
Date Fri, Feb. 16, 2018 - 11:05am By Hamilton
Almost 100 Walmart store managers from across Wisconsin met on Feb. 14 for their annual Capitol Day. This year’s event focused on the Unfair Sales Act, a bill from Sen. Leah Vukmir (R-Brookfield) and Rep. Jim Ott (R-Mequon) that provides exemptions for prescription drugs and general merchandise under Wisconsin’s Unfair Sales Act. Those exemptions would […]
Bills of Note: Opioid Abuse Treatment, Prevention & Education
Date Fri, Feb. 16, 2018 - 9:08am By Hamilton
Rep. John Nygren’s (R- Marinette) latest package of bills to combat the opioid epidemic is scheduled for a vote on the Assembly floor on Tuesday, Feb. 20. The two bills, AB 906 and AB 907, were introduced in January. This legislative package was drafted in consideration from the recent Pew Charitable Trust’s recommendations to the Governor’s Task […]