Contact: Kate Constalie, kate.constalie@legis.wi.gov, 608-632-1606

MADISON, WI – Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order calling a special session to expand BadgerCare in Wisconsin. Under the federal American Rescue Plan Act, Wisconsin could receive an additional $1 billion in federal funding if the BadgerCare program is expanded. As Wisconsin rebounds from the pandemic, Governor Evers and legislative Democrats are working to ensure a successful economic recovery for families and communities and this is the first step. As a staunch supporter of the proposal, Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point) joined Governor Evers in a press conference announcing the special session and released the following statement.

“After a tumultuous year for schools, families, and small businesses, Governor Evers and legislative Democrats are fighting tooth and nail to guarantee Wisconsinites have access to health care while also securing additional funding for economic recovery. We cannot afford to lose out on the one billion dollars in additional funding that would come with expanding BadgerCare. There is absolutely no reason why we shouldn’t provide more affordable, quality coverage, while lowering health insurance premiums and accessing a billion more in funding for our state.”

According to research released by the Kaiser Family Foundation, states that have accepted federal dollars to expand Medicaid programs – like BadgerCare – saw positive impacts on their economies including: an increase in providers in rural areas, reductions in medical debt, increased access to treatment for mental health or substance use disorder challenges, and better reimbursement rates to attract and retain medical professionals. Additionally, previous Marquette Law polling has shown consistent public support for expanding BadgerCare.

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