Month: February 2013

Governor Scott Walker said Wednesday he won't accept enhanced Medicaid funding under the federal health reform law and is instead seeking a hybrid approach that he says will reduce the state's uninsured population by 224,580, while decreasing the state's Medicaid rolls by 5,400. He also said he'll spend an additional $644 million on the program next biennium. If the state fully expanded Medicaid, 252,700 would gain health care coverage in the state, including 90,700 new members on the program, Walker said. (WHN, 2/14)

Gov. Scott Walker will not pursue a full expansion of the state's BadgerCare coverage as foreseen under the federal health care law and will seek instead a middle path that retains some of his long-standing opposition to the federal law even as some Republican governors have relented in recent days. Walker is expected to make the announcement at an event Wednesday. (JOURNAL SENTINEL, 2/12)

Wheaton looking for ways to cut expenses Executives at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, like all the health care systems in southeastern Wisconsin, are navigating likely revenue reductions in the next few years, but layoffs will not be the main solution to coping with health care reform. So says the health care system’s president and chief executive officer John Oliverio. (MILWAUKEE BUSINESS JOURNAL, 2/12)

Construction of Madison’s first new general hospital in about 35 years is set to begin in April on the Far East Side, with preparations already under way. UW Health plans to build a 56-bed hospital, a clinic and a wellness center, along with an emergency room and helipad, on 42 acres at the American Center business park. Future expansion calls for up to 84 beds. (WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL, 2/11)