Gov. Evers and DHS Secretary-designee Palm Announce Community-Specific Data for DHS Budget Proposal

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers and Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm launched all 72 county-specific data for investments in Gov. Evers’ DHS budget proposal. The documents demonstrate what $1.6 billion in new federal money could mean to communities across Wisconsin.

“My budget proposal draws down $1.6 billion in new federal funding into Wisconsin so we can improve healthcare in communities across the state,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “But we can’t make this investment without expanding the Medicaid program to draw down this historic investment.”

Medicaid expansion is the lever that Wisconsin pulls to infuse new federal dollars into the rest of the state’s healthcare system, with the aim of improving the health and well-being of every citizen. Medicaid is a critical part of Wisconsin’s healthcare system. In Wisconsin, 1.1 million residents rely on Medicaid for high-quality healthcare. The budget expands Medicaid to cover childless adults, parents, and caretakers with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level, which is about $17,000 per year for a single person working full time. This expansion will enable an estimated 82,000 additional individuals to access affordable healthcare.

Medicaid expansion will allow the state to draw down new federal funds and save Wisconsin taxpayers $324.5 million. The budget proposes to reinvest these savings into new initiatives to improve healthcare access and quality for all residents, not just those enrolled in Medicaid. The expansion plus the new initiatives will enable the state to draw down a total of $1.6 billion in new federal funding.

“The county-specific fact sheets will allow residents to see how our budget affects their community,” stated Secretary-designee Palm. “From Adams to Richland, to Oconto, this budget demonstrates what substantial new federal investment will mean for the economic and individual health of Wisconsin communities.”

For more information on the budget or to see the 72 county fact sheets visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/budget/county.htm

Office of the Governor

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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