Sean Kirkby, Author at Wisconsin Health News

Disability Rights Wisconsin notes positive budget initiatives for people with disabilities

Feb 9, 2017 | Press Releases |

Wisconsin’s Protection and Advocacy system for people with disabilities is encouraged by the investment in people with disabilities demonstrated throughout Governor Walker’s 2017-2019 Biennial Budget Proposal. “The Governor has...

Insurers respond to self-insurance decision

Feb 9, 2017 | Insurance, Top Stories, WHN Stories |

Insurers in the state had a mixed response to the Group Insurance Board's decision to self-fund the health plan for state and local employees Wednesday, while some of the board's members saw it as the best way to move forward.

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Walker repeats promise to use self-insurance savings for education

Feb 9, 2017 | Legislature, Top Stories, WHN Stories |

Gov. Scott Walker doubled down Wednesday on a promise made last year to use savings from self-insuring the health plan for state and local employees for education.

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Senate approves bill easing access to CBD oil

Feb 9, 2017 | Legislature, Top Stories, WHN Stories |

The Senate has approved a proposal that would lift state penalties for possession of a drug derived from marijuana used to treat seizures in children.

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GIB votes to self-fund and regionalize health plan

Feb 8, 2017 | Insurance, Top Stories, WHN Stories |

The Group Insurance Board voted 10 to 1 to self-fund and regionalize the health plan for state and local employees at a meeting Wednesday. They estimate the move would save more than $60 million over the 2017-2019 biennium.

Ascension Wisconsin regional presidents weigh Obamacare

Feb 8, 2017 | ACA, Federal Government, Top Stories, WHN Stories |

Ascension Wisconsin regional presidents weighed in on positives, negatives and potential changes to the federal health reform law at a Wisconsin Health News event Tuesday.

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Walker’s budget invests in rural physician training, Alzheimer’s research

Feb 8, 2017 | Education, Medical Research, Top Stories, WHN Stories |

Gov. Scott Walker unveiled budget initiatives targeting the University of Wisconsin Tuesday, including money that will go to training physicians in rural areas and Alzheimer's research.

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Walker plans to increase Medicaid reimbursement to nursing homes, end waiting list for long-term care services for children

Feb 8, 2017 | Medicaid/Medicare, Top Stories, WHN Stories |

Gov. Scott Walker plans to increase Medicaid reimbursement to nursing home providers and end a waiting list for long-term supports for children with disabilities as part of his budget.

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GIB scheduled to decide on self-insurance

Feb 8, 2017 | Insurance, Top Stories, WHN Stories |

The Group Insurance Board is scheduled to decide Wednesday on changes to the health plan for state and some local employees, which could include a move to regionalization or self-insurance.

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Democrats renew debate over medical marijuana

Feb 7, 2017 | Legislature, Top Stories, WHN Stories |

Democratic lawmakers have introduced two bills related to medical marijuana, one that would legalize it and another calling for a non-binding statewide referendum on whether the state should legalize the drug.

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