Month: January 2011

Wisconsin could save more than $500 million from 2014 to 2019 from health care reform as the federal government picks up a larger share of the cost of insuring people with limited incomes. That projection is based on an analysis of the testimony of Dennis Smith, the new secretary of the state Department of Health Services, before a congressional committee last week. (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 1/31)

The truest test of Gov. Scott Walker's promise to make "tough but compassionate decisions" to balance the state budget may be what he proposes for the programs that provide health insurance for roughly 1 million people in Wisconsin. The governor has not indicated how he plans to close a budget deficit estimated at more than $3 billion over the next two fiscal years. But no one expects BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid - the two state health programs for people impoverished or with limited incomes - to go unscathed. (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 1/31)

Dr. Vincent Tranchida expects some changes in his death investigation assignments. In New York City, where he worked for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, “you never know what would be coming through the door.” In Dane County, where he starts work Tuesday, “I expect I will have a lot fewer subway deaths.” (WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL, 1/31)

If you have an adult child under age 27, federal law lets you include that child in your health insurance coverage, as of March 30, 2010. But doing so could increase your state income tax burden. That’s because the Wisconsin Legislature has not adopted the federal change — at least not yet — so it’s considered a taxable benefit. (WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL, 1/31)

The health care industry has deep roots in the Wausau region, but during the past decade providers expanded their reach and offerings in ways not experienced before. Private specialty practices blossomed, opening new, eye-catching facilities that rival the medical landscape of larger cities. (WAUSAU DAILY HERALD, 1/31)