On behalf of employers from across Wisconsin, we are disappointed in the Governor’s veto of important legislation (SB 4) that clarifies that direct primary care (DPC) arrangements do not meet the definition of insurance under Wisconsin law.
The Alliance was proud to support the effort to pass SB 4, working with lawmakers from both parties, direct primary care physicians, and the Governor’s office to highlight the value of direct primary care arrangements for Wisconsin’s working families and explaining the need for the legislation.
Many Wisconsinites today benefit from these arrangements that allow primary care providers to provide a medical home where patients can access care quickly, spend more time with their doctors and get advice and referrals that fits their unique care needs. Enactment of Senate Bill 4 would have removed an obstacle that keeps the direct primary care model from growing.
Many of The Alliance’s employer-members have improved access to care for their employees and families by using direct primary care options through on-site, near-site, or shared-site clinics. These providers have proven to be strong allies in our mission to improve health outcomes and reduce total healthcare costs. We will continue working with the Governor and interested lawmakers to see the legislation passed into law next session.
About The Alliance
The Alliance serves as the voice for self-funded employers who want more control over their healthcare costs. Using Smarter Networks and sophisticated data mining and analysis, they provide transparent, creative approaches to network and benefit plan design to unlock savings where others can’t – or won’t. The Alliance remains a trusted, objective partner for its 500+ employers and their brokers, who seek improved access to high-quality healthcare by contracting with a network of healthcare providers across the Midwest.
