Doyle Administration Presents Health Care Plans in Washington

This week, Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services Secretary Kevin Hayden is in Washington, D.C., on behalf of Governor Jim Doyle to meet with leaders of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, members of Congress, and other key health care officials to discuss Governor Doyle’s plans to make health care more affordable and ensure health care access to 98 percent of Wisconsin’s citizens.


 


“We will make health care more affordable in Wisconsin and ensure that 98 percent of all Wisconsin citizens have access to comprehensive health care coverage – more than any other state in the nation,” Governor Doyle said.  “It starts with a simple premise: let’s guarantee that every single child in Wisconsin has access to health insurance.  My Administration is committed to working closely with the federal government to get this done, making Wisconsin America’s health care leader.”


 


“I am honored to present the Governor’s health care plan to leaders in Washington,” said Secretary Hayden.  “The Governor’s plan is both innovative and responsible, and I know that many states are closely watching our efforts to make health care more affordable and improve quality.”


 


While in Washington, Secretary Hayden will meet Dennis Smith, the Director for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to discuss Wisconsin’s health care reform strategy, focusing on plans to cover all kids.


 


Governor Doyle’s Badgercare Plus program would offer every Wisconsin family the opportunity to buy affordable health coverage for their child, starting at about $10 a month.  And no family would lose coverage just because their income goes up.


 


Secretary Hayden will also meet with members of Congress and other key health care leaders to discuss SeniorCare, Wisconsin’s successful prescription drug program for people age 65 and older.    The program is set to expire on June 30, 2007 – at which point more than 100,000 Wisconsin seniors will have no other choice but to go on the complicated federal Medicare prescription drug program.


 


For SeniorCare information, call the SeniorCare hotline at (800) 657-2038 or visit: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/seniorcare/.