From WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com … — U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin today said she’s “ringing the alarm bell” for Republicans to pass her bill to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits ahead of a looming government shutdown. Baldwin, D-Madison, has co-sponsored legislation to permanently renew enhanced tax credits for insurance bought through the ACA marketplace. The tax credits, approved during the COVID-19 pandemic, are set to expire at the end of the year. Baldwin spoke at a virtual press conference today with Wisconsinites who would face increased costs if the tax credits aren’t renewed. “The path to keep the government open and stop health care costs from rising is on the table. This whole idea of a shutdown is totally avoidable,” Baldwin said. “If Republicans refuse to see what’s right in front of them, then the shutdown is on them, and Wisconsinites will know exactly who stood in the way. They will know exactly who to thank when their health care costs skyrocket, or it’s simply stripped away.” The House passed a spending bill to extend government funding through Nov. 21. But Dems in the Senate have opposed the measure as they push to renew the ACA tax credits and roll back health care-related provisions in Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Government funding is set to lapse at midnight tonight. Kate Bausch, an artist based in La Crosse, said she and her husband are both retired and pay $476 per month for health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act. She said she’s been “very nervous” about the prospect of the enhanced tax credits going away. “I can’t tell you how unbearable it’s been to not know if we’re going to have health care next year or what it’s gonna cost,” Bausch said, crying. She said she doesn’t know how she and her husband will afford health care if the credits expire, noting they likely won’t be able to buy Christmas presents this year or the next. U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, has said extending the credits would “perpetuate fraudulent activity, sending billions of dollars to insurance companies for policies that people are unaware they’re enrolled in and do not use.” — The Department of Health Services’ first look at the Medicaid budget for the 2025-27 biennium projects expenses will exceed budgeted levels by $144.1 million in general purpose revenue over the two-year period. That’s a difference of 1.5% in the program, which was allocated just under $9.7 billion in GPR. DHS Secretary Kristen Johnson wrote in a letter to Joint Finance Committee co-chairs today that $100 million of that projected shortfall is due to the budget approving less money to cover the costs to continue current services than what the agency had projected was needed. Johnson wrote the agency was still working to “identify options to offset” the difference. She also noted enrollment has trended lower in recent months than what had been expected for BadgerCare and SSI Managed Care enrollment groups, which includes adults with disabilities. That’s saved $93 million. Meanwhile, Family Care and other managed care programs will be $71 million higher than what was budgeted with enrollments coming in higher than expected. Top Stories – Health Care’s Employment Growth Clouded by Immigration Crackdown, Medicaid Cuts – With therapy hard to get, people lean on AI for mental health. What are the risks? – Trump is tested on drug price threat Press Releases
