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CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, Communications Director 608-266-1683
COLUMN:
BADGERCARE PLUS ENSURES HEALTH COVERAGE FOR ALL KIDS
Health
care is the topic everyone is talking about these days-and it poses a
significant burden to our families.
Nearly
600,000 citizens in this state lack health insurance and nearly 98,000 of
them are children. No
child should go without health care. Fortunately,
access to health insurance for all children is now within our grasp with
BadgerCare Plus, which began February 1st.
BadgerCare
Plus is a part of Governor Doyle’s plan to ensure that no child goes
without health insurance. It
has four strategic goals: (1)
cover all children, (2) provide coverage and enhanced benefits for
pregnant women, (3) make the program simple, and (4) promote prevention
and healthy behaviors.
Research
has shown that people with insurance see their doctor more frequently for
prevention instead of only going to the doctor for emergencies.
BadgerCare Plus will allow parents to take their child for the
wellness visits they need, including immunizations.
If you are pregnant, you will be able to get early and regular
prenatal care.
BadgerCare
Plus is available to:
●
All children, regardless of income
●
Pregnant women
●
Parents and caretakers at higher income levels
●
Young adults who are leaving foster care when they turn 18
●
More farmers and self-employed families
BadgerCare
Plus streamlines Medicaid, BadgerCare and Healthy Start into one
comprehensive program which allows every Wisconsin family - regardless of
income - to get affordable health insurance for their kids.
Low
income families will be able to enroll their children into BadgerCare Plus
at no charge. Higher earning
families will be able to buy into the program for as little as $10 a month
for each qualifying family member.
We
are taking BadgerCare Plus to where families are, instead of making
families come to us. Numerous
partners across the state will be joining forces to help families sign up
for the program. People can
also apply online at www.badgercareplus.org
or call 1-800-362-3002 for program information.
When
BadgerCare Plus is fully implemented, 98 percent of Wisconsin citizens
will have access to affordable health insurance, making Wisconsin
America’s health care leader.
I
am proud that we have worked together on this accomplishment.
This is an historic moment in Wisconsin history.
Kevin R. Hayden
Secretary
Department of Health and Family Services
Last Revised: July 12, 2010 |
