Hi, I’m Representative Rob Brooks and I represent the 59 th Assembly District. I want to take some time to talk to you today about some of the budget wins we secured for health services.
Wisconsin has made significant investments to strengthen healthcare access and affordability across the state. By increasing the hospital assessment, Wisconsin secured additional federal matching funds that hospitals can use to meet their individual needs while also helping offset Medicaid costs. Key funding increases include $4.6 million to raise reimbursement rates for obstetric services and $6.2 million to support higher reimbursement for opioid treatment services. The state also boosted wages for providers of home and community-based services, ensuring better support for those who rely on long-term care.
In addition, Wisconsin dedicated funding to expand access through grants: $1.5 million for free and charitable clinics, $1.6 million for federally qualified health centers, and $400,000 for health center “look-alikes.” Mental health services received a major boost with $7 million for the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, while $14 million was directed to raise Medicaid reimbursement rates for private duty nursing provided by RNs and LPNs. Finally, $150,000 in one-time grants will go to the Surgical Collaborative of Wisconsin to enhance surgical care quality improvement efforts.
Thank you for your time and have a great rest of the week!
