Healthy Wisconsin Plan Unveiled

Senate Democrats have unveiled a unified health care reform plan, saying it will guarantee quality, affordable health care for every person who lives or works in Wisconsin.

Representative Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee), left, and Senate Majority Leader Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) spoke during the unveiling of the Healthy Wisconsin health care reform initiative on Monday, June 25, 2007 at the State Capitol.

The Healthy Wisconsin plan guarantees a choice of high quality public and private health plans in every region of the state, testified members of the Wisconsin Health Care Reform Campaign Coalition. The coalition, of which WEAC is a member, is comprised of 34 organizations committed to enacting comprehensive health care reform this legislative session.

The proposed plan, paid for by employers and employees, would start in 2009.

WEAC President Stan Johnson said in a written statement that universal health care will strengthen the state’s economic future and will aid WEAC members’ work in the classroom.

“WEAC supports universal health care, and we believe a working classroom is one where students are healthy, engaged and ready to learn,” he said. “Working families and children should have access to quality, affordable health care, and healthy communities are strong communities. Wisconsin’s future depends on healthy families.”

Supporters say Healthy Wisconsin combines the best features of three comprehensive reform plans that were introduced into the Legislature last year. Healthy Wisconsin will be introduced as an amendment to the state budget in the Senate, debate on which will begin today (June 26, 2007).

The plan provides coverage to all residents who are not part of the Medicare, BadgerCare or proposed BadgerCare Plus plans.

The plan does not take away authority of unions to bargain for services, Wisconsin AFL-CIO President David Newby testified. Existing contracts would not be voided. As contracts expire, unions would negotiate the impact of Healthy Wisconsin. The plan creates a floor, not a ceiling, Newby said.

Supporters praised the plan, saying that Wisconsin has the opportunity to be the first state to guarantee affordable health insurance to every resident. The plan will save an estimated $1.3 billion per year, by using the buying power of the people of Wisconsin to negotiate drug prices, streamlining administration, and encouraging preventative care.

The plan preserves Wisconsin’s state-of-the-art health care system, the coalition said, while making it accessible to everyone by lowering costs, and guaranteeing access and choice. People who are satisfied with their family doctors and other medical providers will be able to continue those relationships.

“I rejoice in this day,” Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson (D-Beloit) said prior to a hearing on the budget amendment by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. “This is the most comprehensive health care reform package ever seen in the Wisconsin State Legislature.”

Committee Chairman Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) has been at the forefront of bringing Healthy Wisconsin to the table as part of the budget process. “We are putting this in the budget because we want this to become law,” he said before the hearing. “It will force Republicans to the table.”

As part of his testimony at the hearing, Erpenbach said Healthy Wisconsin is the culmination of more than 2 years of public forums. Monday’s hearing is the first ever on a budget amendment and Erpenbach said after Senate passage the public will continue to be involved.

He added that quality, affordable health care will draw more jobs to the state. He said health care reform will enhance the state’s already strong business base and great schools, making Wisconsin more attractive to employers.

“It’s fair. It’s simple. We have to move forward with it,” Erpenbach said.

Eric Noonan, owner of a Beloit restaurant, said health care reform is necessary now and urged Republicans to get on board. “It’s no longer a democrat or republican issue,” he said. “This will fix our health care problem so that it is fair and balanced for everyone.”

Find more information about the health care reform plan:

Link to Citizen Action of Wisconsin Healthy Wisconsin Resource Center:
http://citizenactionwi.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=122&Itemid=92

 Link to Senate Democrats’ press release:  http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/senate/SDC/press/2007/pr2007-D17.asp

Link to the Legislature’s Healthy Wisconsin page:  http://www.legis.wi.gov/senate/sdc/issues/HealthyWisconsin.asp

Link to statutory language:  http://www.thewheelerreport.com/releases/June07/june25/0625healthywisamend.pdf

Posted June 26, 2007