Wisconsin’s infant and maternal health outcomes are at a crisis level, for certain populations in the state. Black babies are more than three times less likely to reach their first birthday than white babies and Black maternal deaths and pregnancy complications are on the rise. American Indian, Latino and other underserved communities also face worse […]

Image by rony michaud from Pixabay Dec. 5 - Wisconsinites grapple with PFAS contamination The presence of “forever chemicals” in water is drawing concern and attention from Wisconsin residents and officials. Research has shown high levels of certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — a large group of manmade chemicals used for decades in industry and consumer products — […]

From increased consolidation to a persistent workforce crisis to the advent of artificial intelligence, the Wisconsin healthcare system is transforming fast. Hospital and health systems will discuss how they are leading their organizations through change during our annual Hospital CEO Roundtable on Dec. 12 in Madison. Panelists: Dr. Alan Kaplan, CEO, UW Health Dr. Imran Andrabi, CEO, […]

Pharmacy benefit managers sit at the center of the supply chain on drugs, and a national debate on costs. They say they play an integral role in negotiating lower prices. But pharmacists and drug makers contend they are pocketing too much of the savings. That’s led to calls for more transparency and reform of the […]

As states across the country are loosening their laws on marijuana, momentum is growing in Wisconsin to legalize the drug for medical purposes. Assembly Republicans unveiled legislation this month that would allow residents with chronic diseases to access the drug from state-run dispensaries. But Senate Republicans have been less receptive to the concept, and Democrats are pushing […]

Kirsten Johnson has led the Department of Health Services for nearly a year. Before that she was the head of the Milwaukee Health Department and she also oversaw the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department. At a Wisconsin Health News Newsmaker Event in Madison on Feb. 13, Johnson will outline her priorities at DHS, provide an […]

Wisconsin was one of the first states in the country to contract with insurance companies to manage care for Medicaid members, a practice now present in most of the country. While managed care models have increased budget predictability, are they living up to their promise of improved care quality and decreased costs? Also, how is […]

The decision by Hospital Sisters Health System and Prevea Health to exit western Wisconsin — which will result in two hospitals and 19 clinics shutting down — shook the region. Since the announcement, healthcare providers and elected officials have taken action. A virtual Wisconsin Health News panel on March 19 will take a deep dive into the impact of the closures and the work underway […]