Washington, D.C. - Families USA released a new analysis today that shows that the Healthy Wisconsin plan, which builds on the Medicaid and BadgerCare expansions included in Governor Doyle’s BadgerCare Plus plan, will stimulate job growth and Wisconsin’s economy while extending health coverage to more than 460,000 uninsured people.
The report estimates that investing in the Healthy Wisconsin program will bring substantial new federal money into the state, generating more than $1 billion in new business activity in the Wisconsin economy and creating nearly 13,000 new jobs.
In June 2007, the Wisconsin state Senate approved this groundbreaking health reform initiative as part of the state’s Biennial Budget bill for 2007-2009.
“Families USA applauds the state for this initiative,” said Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA. “This innovative and expansive plan will provide comprehensive, quality health coverage to all people in the state while producing savings within the health system, creating jobs, and generating significant business activity.”
The Families USA report also found that Wisconsinites with employer-based coverage pay more for health insurance premiums to cover the cost of care for the uninsured throughout the state. In 2007, premiums for Wisconsin families with employer-based coverage will be $794 higher due to the cost of care for the uninsured, and for individuals, the cost will be $308 higher.
The report shows that with fewer uninsured people, less money will be needed to provide care for the uninsured. This, in turn, will reduce the costs that are passed on to those who pay for health coverage. Although the uninsured pay a substantial share of health care costs themselves, the cost of care that is not paid out-of-pocket by the uninsured in Wisconsin will be about $626 million in 2007.
“We are confident that Wisconsin leaders will do the right thing and pass the Senate health reform plan,” said Pollack. “We hope this visionary plan will also become a model for other states across the country.”
