The Sconi

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has outlined key elements of Governor Tony Evers' 2025-27 budget proposal, presented on February 18, 2025. This budget emphasizes investments in public health, healthcare access, mental health, and long-term care.

DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson stated, "Building on his declaration of 2025 as the Year of the Kid, Governor Evers' budget supports healthy kids, families, and communities across the state. This budget makes critical investments in public health, health care access and coverage, mental health, and long-term care, prioritizing the health and well-being of every Wisconsinite."

The proposed budget aims to enhance public health infrastructure in Wisconsin. It includes initiatives to mitigate lead exposure in homes and schools and combat PFAS contamination to ensure safe drinking water.

A $50 million allocation is proposed to support emergency medical services (EMS) by improving recruitment and retention efforts. The plan also extends postpartum coverage from 60 days to a full year after childbirth.

To address cardiac-related incidents among student athletes, $4 million is allocated for an electrocardiogram screening pilot program in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. Dental health initiatives receive $12 million for low-income dental clinics and workforce development.

BadgerCare Plus expansion remains central to the DHS budget proposal. It aims to extend healthcare coverage to approximately 95,800 low-income residents while saving the state $1.9 billion over two years.

Governor Evers proposes raising hospital reimbursements by $3.2 billion with additional support for hospitals treating children. A total of $71 million is designated for rural clinics and various treatments including opioid use disorder treatment.

The budget also focuses on holding insurers accountable through audits aimed at reducing costs and improving transparency. It seeks to lower out-of-pocket expenses by addressing price gouging and reducing wait times for appointments.

Healthcare workforce investment includes Medicaid coverage for community health workers and funds for recruitment grants totaling $7.5 million along with training support amounting to $2.5 million.

In response to rising mental health concerns among youth, nearly $300 million is earmarked for school-based mental health services statewide. The proposal includes funding for crisis centers offering behavioral health services.

To support older adults and individuals with disabilities, the budget allocates $43.8 million toward personal care programs enabling them to live independently at home. Long-term care providers will benefit from increased funding aimed at stabilizing their operations amid a rapidly aging population.

The Complex Patient Pilot receives a $15 million investment designed to ease transitions from hospitals to other care settings like nursing homes.

For further details on the DHS budget proposal or media inquiries contact DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov or visit their website.