Contact: Tony Palese, tony.palese@legis.wi.gov, 608-266-5490

LA CROSSE, WI – As President Trump and Republicans in Congress continue to push a health care repeal bill that would raise costs and take coverage away from thousands of Wisconsin families, Democratic lawmakers are urging immediate action to protect vital services. The Health Care Protection Package announced by Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) and Rep. Daniel Riemer (D-Milwaukee) contains five proposals to safeguard children, families and seniors.

“The dangerous health care repeal being pushed by Republicans in Washington, D.C. would be devastating for families here in Wisconsin,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “Local residents I’ve heard from say they can’t afford more out-of-pocket costs, especially those with pre-existing conditions and seniors living on a fixed income. If Gov. Walker continues to follow Pres. Trump’s lead and limit health care access, we think the Legislature should stand up for Wisconsin families and block these special interest D.C. giveaways.”

The Health Care Protection Package includes:
· LRB 1882/LRB 1151: Prohibiting lifetime and annual limits under health insurance policies and plans.
· LRB 1881/LRB 1150: Prohibiting preexisting condition exclusion and rate setting based on preexisting conditions.
· LRB 1884/LRB 1199: Requiring coverage and prohibiting cost sharing for preventive services under health insurance policies and plans
· LRB 3444/LRB 2107: Coverage of certain essential health benefits
· LRB 2988/LRB 3484: Maintaining access to reimbursements to family planning providers in the Medical Assistance Program

If the U.S. Senate passes the Republican AHCA plan and state lawmakers don’t act, it is estimated that 311,000 Wisconsin residents will lose their health care coverage. Uncertainty surrounding Gov. Walker’s plans to opt-out of federal health protections could jeopardize access and increase costs for more than 850,000 Wisconsin residents with pre-existing conditions.

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