Statement on Changes to Wisconsin’s Well Woman Program
"With the changes DHS is proposing, women in many areas of the state will no longer have those health care professionals nearby providing timely care."
MADISON – As the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) prepares to make wholesale changes to the Wisconsin Well Woman Program, Representative Daniel Riemer (D—Milwaukee) released the following statement on the need to make sure all Wisconsin women continue to have access to critical breast and cervical cancer screenings and treatment, no matter where they live:
“Over the last several weeks and months, I have heard concerns over changes being proposed by DHS to the Well Woman Program. Specifically, these concerns stem from a lack of communication and outreach from DHS to the individuals, advocates and providers who work with women in the program where they receive life-saving cancer screenings.
“Especially concerning are the coverage gaps due to a new provider map. Currently, every county in Wisconsin has providers and coordinators to help women navigate their coverage, service and care options when faced with a cancer diagnosis. With the changes DHS is proposing, women in many areas of the state will no longer have those health care professionals nearby providing timely care.
“I think we can all agree that women across Wisconsin, no matter their economic situation, and especially no matter where they live, should have access to affordable, accessible and timely breast and cervical cancer screenings. These procedures save lives. The Well Woman Program has provided this for the citizens of Wisconsin for years, and the proposed changes to the program raise significant concerns for the health of Wisconsin women.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
