Madison…Representative Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) held a hearing as chair of the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging, and Long-Term Care after receiving notice of a prosed rule change regarding to prenatal and child care coordination services under the medical assistance (MA) program.
“Hearing agents from the Department of Health Services (DHS) attempt to justify the changes in their rule has further solidified my opinions on how egregious this rule is,” said Representative Moses. “The agenda from these agencies is to erase the importance of women and motherhood, erasing their contributions and significance.”
Changes to the rule include replacements from the terms “pregnant women” to “pregnant MA members,” “father” to “other parent,” “women” to “persons,” and removing the term “risk” throughout the rule.
During the hearing, members of the committee raised concerns about their impact on women and families, and heard testimony from stakeholders who voiced strong opposition to the proposed language. Unfortunately, DHS was not present for the hearing to give their explanation on the changes.
Representative Moses noted that the legislature’s role in rulemaking has been weakened by recent court decisions. In Evers v. Marklein, the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the legislature’s ability to block or pause agency rules.
“These rulings make it clear that unelected bureaucrats can now advance drastic policy changes with little to no legislative oversight, which is deeply concerning, as the legislature is elected by the people it serves,” said Representative Moses.
Representative Moses urged the Department of Health Services to reconsider the proposed changes and restore language that reflects the value of women, mothers, and families in Wisconsin’s health care programs.
