Editor: 

Do you know that a referendum asking whether the state should accept billions in available federal funds for BadgerCare is on the November 4th ballot in Oneida County?

On November 4, over 1 million voters in 20 counties and cities across the state can send a message that Wisconsin needs to accept billions in available federal funds to fill in the holes in BadgerCare. Over 87,000 Wisconsinites were denied access to quality, affordable health care, costing the state hundreds of millions more to cover fewer people, and raising private insurance premiums for the rest of us. The average Wisconsin resident is charged $251 more by their insurance company per person per year because of the Governor’s decision. States like Minnesota that did accept the funds pay far less than Wisconsin.

The good news is Wisconsin can reverse this terrible decision and take the money at any time. So we need to send a message to Madison on November 4 to stop playing politics with health care and accept these federal funds.

Individuals earning between $11,490 – $15,282 a year would be eligible for Badgercare as well as a family of four earning between $23,550 – $31,322 a year.  Accepting the federal funds means health coverage to individuals and families who are earning 100%-133% above the poverty level. 

According to the WI Council of Churches, “Accepting federal dollars reflect sound stewardship of limited resources. Using these federal dollars for Medicaid, even if temporarily, will permit the Legislature to reallocate funds to other critical needs, such as elementary and secondary education, other health programs, tax relief for those in need of it and community corrections programs. Fostering such stewardship is another reason to consider accessing these Medicaid funds.  This is why we encourage readers to vote “yes” on the November referendum on BadgerCare.”

Kathy Muntner, Rhinelander