The 2015-17 Wisconsin state budget deliberations are well underway in Madison. An important provision for Wisconsin hospitals is a continuation of funding for the Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) program, which was started in 2013 with WMC’s support. The program, which was funded in 2013 to the tune of $74 million ($30 million from the state, matched by $44 million from the federal government) provides payments to hospitals that serve a high number of uninsured and Medicaid patients. The current budget proposal matches the same level of funding.
DSH payments are an important step to help reduce the impact of the Hidden Health Care Tax in Wisconsin. The Hidden Health Care Tax refers to the underpayment from government for services provided by hospitals to Medicaid patients. According to the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA), that underpayment totals $960 million annually. That shortfall is made up with higher costs in other areas of health care, such as group health and worker’s compensation. Learn more about the Hidden Health Care Tax from WHA.
Overall, the budget proposal for the Department of Health Services (DHS) is the largest expenditure in the state budget — $23 billion for the two year budget, driven by large increases in the cost of Medicaid.
To address the growing DHS budget, Governor Walker also included reforms to Family Care & IRIS to begin to bend the cost curve downward on Medicaid programs. It is yet to be determined if those reforms will stay in the budget or get removed by legislators.
Health Care Connection: State Budget Update
Share:
LOOKING FOR MORE NEWS?
Nick Novak
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact
Nick Novak | Vice President Communications & Marketing | 608.258.3400
NEWS
Related Posts
WMC Opens Nominations for Business Friend of the Environment Awards Program
Nick Novak
April 22, 2024
MADISON – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association – opened nominations for its annual Wisconsin Business Friend of
Scott Manley on Biden Administration’s New Emission Standards
Kristen Nupson
April 5, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDqEr0VTJoE After the announcement of the Biden Administration’s new emission standards being applied to long-haul and large vehicles, WMC’s Scott Manley joined Vicki McKenna to
WMC Disappointed in Superior City Council Vote Opposing Affordable & Reliable Energy Project
Nick Novak
April 4, 2024
MADISON – The Superior City Council denied local approvals on Wednesday for the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC), which would play a critical role in
ICYMI: Ron Wanek Defends Free Enterprise, Promotes Community Stewardship During Manufacturing Hall of Fame Induction
Nick Novak
March 19, 2024
Ashley Furniture Industries Founder Becomes First Modern-Era Inductee, Joining 78 Other Wisconsin Titans of Industry MADISON – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the combined