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Hospitals back Medicaid expansion
Pointing to the impact that uninsured patients have on the health care system, a state group is calling on Governor Walker to agree to expand the Medicaid program.
Under the health care reform law, the federal government will cover 100 percent of the cost, for the first three years, and 90 percent after that.
Eric Borgerding of the Wisconsin Hospital Association says it makes financial sense to offer insurance to more adults who don't have children under 19 years old. He says when people don't have coverage, they rely on emergency rooms. He says hospitals have to pass along the costs of those uninsured visits, through higher insurance premiums.
Governor Walker is expected to announce his decision later this month.
About 175,000 people, who make a little more than $15,000 a year, would be eligible for the expanded coverage, through the state's BadgerCare program.
Under the health care reform law, the federal government will cover 100 percent of the cost, for the first three years, and 90 percent after that.
Eric Borgerding of the Wisconsin Hospital Association says it makes financial sense to offer insurance to more adults who don't have children under 19 years old. He says when people don't have coverage, they rely on emergency rooms. He says hospitals have to pass along the costs of those uninsured visits, through higher insurance premiums.
Governor Walker is expected to announce his decision later this month.
About 175,000 people, who make a little more than $15,000 a year, would be eligible for the expanded coverage, through the state's BadgerCare program.
