MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) has named Gov. Tony Evers and State Rep. Clint Moses (R–Menomonie) as 2026 Health Care Advocates of the Year. The awards were presented at WHA’s annual Advocacy Day event at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center on Feb. 25, which drew 1,100 hospital and health system advocates from across the state.
Governor Tony Evers
WHA President and CEO Kyle O’Brien presented the award to Gov. Evers, recognizing his partnership with Wisconsin hospitals across four state budgets.
“Throughout his tenure, Governor Evers has worked collaboratively with hospitals to strengthen care across Wisconsin,” said O’Brien. “The Governor has proposed and signed into law significant investments in our health care system, including increases in hospital Medicaid reimbursement through the Disproportionate Share Hospital and Rural Critical Care programs. This past year, the Governor worked in a bipartisan fashion with state legislative leaders to position Wisconsin for enhanced federal funding through the state’s hospital assessment. These actions provide Wisconsin hospitals with additional resources to invest in our workforce and protect access to care statewide.”
WHA President & CEO Kyle O’Brien and Governor Tony Evers
To address Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce challenges, the Governor has been a strong supporter of Wisconsin’s “Grow Our Own” Graduate Medical Education (GME) program and other workforce initiatives that expand training opportunities for physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor’s administration worked closely with hospitals to secure personal protective equipment, provide financial relief and deliver regulatory flexibility to help providers respond to rapidly changing conditions.
“Hospitals and medical professionals, including our doctors and nurses, work every day to keep our kids, families, and communities healthy and safe. I’ve always believed that healthcare should not be a privilege that’s reserved only for the healthy and wealthy, and an important part of my job as governor has been working to ensure healthcare is affordable and accessible. It’s why I’ve been proud to be a partner with the Wisconsin Hospital Association over the last seven years as we’ve worked together to ensure Wisconsinites can get the care they need, where and when they need it,” said Gov. Evers.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the Wisconsin Hospital Association, and I’m looking forward to the great work we can continue doing together to support our healthcare infrastructure and workforce and ensure that folks and families across our state can access the high-quality, affordable care they deserve,” Evers added.
Representative Clint Moses (R – Menomonie)
O’Brien also presented the award to Rep. Moses, chair of the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care. First elected in 2020, Rep. Moses is a practicing chiropractor representing the 92nd Assembly District.
“Representative Moses brings real-world health care experience to his role as Chairman of the Assembly Health committee,” said O’Brien. “He has been a thoughtful and pragmatic voice on workforce challenges, Medicaid reimbursement and efforts to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens on hospitals.”
WHA President & CEO Kyle O’Brien and Representative Clint Moses
Rep. Moses has supported increased Medicaid funding in state budgets, co-hosted bipartisan briefings on WHA’s Annual Health Care Workforce Report at the Capitol and advocated for policies that help providers navigate prior authorization and other administrative barriers.
“I’m honored to receive this award and grateful for the partnership with Wisconsin’s hospitals and health care leaders,” said Rep. Moses. “Health care is deeply personal to me — both as a provider and as a legislator. I remain committed to ensuring our hospitals have the workforce, resources and flexibility they need to care for communities across Wisconsin.”
WHA’s Advocacy Day is the state’s premier health care advocacy event, providing hospital leaders and advocates a platform to engage directly with their elected officials. The Health Care Advocate of the Year Award is presented annually to policymakers who support Wisconsin hospitals and the patients they serve.
For more information about the WHA and its work, visit wha.org.