Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson | Wisconsin Health Care Association Website
Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson | Wisconsin Health Care Association Website
On July 4, the president signed the budget reconciliation bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This legislation will increase bureaucratic requirements for FoodShare and Medicaid members, potentially causing 270,000 Wisconsinites to lose health insurance by removing crucial support for affordable health care coverage. Governor Tony Evers and Wisconsin Department of Health Secretary Kirsten Johnson have voiced concerns over these developments.
Governor Evers stated, "Republicans' vote to cut popular programs like Medicaid will have a devastating impact on working families, kids, seniors, and Wisconsinites across our state. Wisconsinites will lose access to their health care and basic necessities like food that people depend on every day—and all so Republicans could pay for tax breaks for wealthy millionaires and billionaires. Make no mistake: the people of Wisconsin and our state will not be better off because of this bill." He assured that his administration would utilize every available tool to counteract these cuts and strive to ensure access to quality, affordable health care.
Secretary Kirsten Johnson highlighted the importance of understanding how federal decisions affect state residents' health and nutrition. She urged Medicaid and FoodShare members to update their contact information through ACCESS.wi.gov or the MyACCESS app. The department plans to notify members about compliance with new rules via notices, texts, emails, social media, news releases, and other channels.
The Department of Health Services has released an updated analysis detailing how the bill will impact those receiving health care coverage and nutrition assistance through Medicaid and FoodShare in Wisconsin. According to estimates from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee, 276,175 Wisconsinites could lose coverage under both the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid over the next decade.
Currently, around one in five Wisconsinites benefit from Medicaid programs. Nearly half of these recipients are children. Additionally, nearly 700,000 residents receive food assistance through FoodShare.
The Department of Health Services will continue updating stakeholders as further guidance is received regarding policy implementation from the federal government.
Members of the media can direct inquiries to DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
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