WHA Statement on Governor Walker’s State Budget Address

Attribute to Eric Borgerding, WHA Executive Vice President

Contact: Mary Kay Grasmick, WHA, 608-274-1820 or 575-7516

In the face of unprecedented budget challenges, including a nearly $150 million deficit in Medicaid this year (FY2011) and a projected $1.8 billion deficit in the 2011-13 biennium, the status quo in Medicaid  is realistically not an option.  The program must adapt and evolve via a process that involves key stakeholders, including hospitals and hospital systems that increasingly serve as the health care safety net for so many in Wisconsin.

WHA is committed to finding solutions that will: (1) maintain a fully-funded and operating Medicaid program in FY2011; (2) preserve Medicaid for our most vulnerable citizens; and, (3) minimize cost shifting to employers and employees from unreimbursed Medicaid costs and uncompensated care.

The budget bill outlined this afternoon by Governor Walker largely aligns with our goals.  Over the coming weeks and months, WHA looks forward to working with the Governor and Legislature to fine tune this important legislation and preserve the Medicaid safety net that is so important during these extraordinarily challenging times.