January 3, 2012
I want to believe the pain of the Medicaid shortfall is not as bad as the Governor told us last spring but I need to see the numbers.
Last week the Governor announced he had the $80 million necessary to remove the cap on Family Care. Today, in an amazing announcement, the Department of Health Services Secretary tells us the Medicaid shortfall is scaled back by $300 million.
But the announcement came with little detail. In his letter the Secretary mentions several factors but only details $18 million of the total $300 million. The lack of transparency and accountability makes me very cautious about telling my constituents the hurt won’t be as bad.
Medicaid is a vital program to many Wisconsin families. I want to be confident about the decisions we make regarding Medicaid changes. I renew my call for the Governor and his administration to lay out the fiscal details necessary to make those decisions.
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