CONTACT: Stephanie Smiley, (608) 266-1683

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETING IN MILWAUKEE ON MEDICAID SAVINGS INITIATIVES

MADISON—Department of Health Services Secretary Dennis G. Smith and Deputy Secretary Kitty Rhoades will hold a Town Hall meeting in Milwaukee to collect input from consumers, community partners, and providers on Medicaid efficiencies and cost-savings initiatives recently released by the Department. 

The mission and cost of Medicaid in Wisconsin have expanded dramatically over the years. One out of every five citizens is now served in a Medicaid program (traditional Medicaid, BadgerCare Plus, SeniorCare and Family Care). Medicaid pays for 45 percent of all births in the state, and Medicaid recipients occupy roughly 60 percent of nursing home beds. 

State funding for Medicaid had to be significantly increased above the 2009-2011 budget, primarily for two reasons – federal matching funds decreased by $1.33 billion and previous budget estimates were based on a projected decline in enrollment. But even after an infusion of $1.2 billion of additional state funding for the current budget cycle, the Department was tasked with finding savings to keep the Medicaid program in balance with the state budget. 

“To fulfill our responsibilities to those who rely on our programs and the taxpayers who provide the funding, and ensuring a balanced state budget over the biennium, we had numerous discussions with consumers, providers and advocates to generate the commonsense changes to Medicaid that we have proposed,” said Secretary Smith. “Now that the public has had the opportunity to look at these initiatives we are very much interested in obtaining feedback.” 

“We believe that our proposals are fair, focused, and will make the Medicaid program sustainable in Wisconsin,” said Deputy Secretary Rhoades. “We want to hear from the public prior to submitting anything formally to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or Wisconsin’s Joint Committee on Finance.”

Individuals who are interested in speaking will have up to three minutes to share their comments at this forum. Those who would like to share their ideas and do not wish to speak are encouraged to submit their written feedback at the meeting. Those unable to attend the town hall meeting can provide comments on the DHS website at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov. 

** People needing special accommodations to attend or participate in the meeting should notify the Department of Health Services at 608-266-9622 (TTY 888-701-1250) on or before October 20, 2011. 

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Last Revised:  October 14, 2011