FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 6, 2018

Contact: Rep. John Nygren (888)534-0089

Madison–State Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette), Co-chair of the Joint Committee on Finance released the following statement in reaction to a new Federal Health Resources and Services Administration ranking:

“Recently, the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced that Wisconsin, for the second year in a row, is ranked among the top four states in the country for health care quality improvement and rural Critical Access Hospitals. This is great news for the state of Wisconsin and for those who live in rural areas.”

Critical Access Hospitals are rural hospitals that are designated by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and designed to increase access and quality to health care while at the same time, reduce financial burdens their locations face.

“Earlier this year, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ranked Wisconsin the number state in the country for overall health care quality. Coupled with the HRSA ranking, it is quite clear that investments made by Republicans in the state legislature are having a positive impact on the quality of healthcare provided to the citizens of Wisconsin.”

In the last few budgets, Wisconsin Republicans have invested heavily in improving quality and access to care for our most vulnerable. The last state budget provided funds for rural health care workforce training grants for physician, advanced practice clinician, and allied health professional training. Additionally, the budget passed by Republicans made investments in programs to increase access and improve long-term care services.

Wisconsin Republicans also took action to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality, affordable health insurance. Recently, the federal government approved a waiver to allow the operation of a state-based reinsurance plan to stabilize the insurance marketplace. Policies like this have a direct, positive impact on the lives of Wisconsin citizens.

“Our partnerships with hospital systems, insurance providers and healthcare professionals has made Wisconsin one of the best places in the nation to receive care. I am confident that the results we are seeing are a direct result of the actions Republicans have taken in Wisconsin. I look forward to continuing to improve upon these relationships to work together to ensure that all Wisconsin citizens get the high-quality, affordable care they deserve.”

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