Wisconsin Health Security Act
Health Care for All Wisconsin Residents
Wisconsin Health Security Act
• Will cover all residents regardless of age, employment or health status–even people with serious conditions.
• Will include everyone who’s on Medicare, Medicaid, BadgerCare and Senior Care, or in nursing homes.
Wisconsin Health Security Act will provide all necessary care
• Services of doctors, dentists and other licensed health care professionals • Hospital and emergency care, clinic and office visits, and house calls • All prescription drugs • Health promotion, illness and injury prevention, and immunizations
Wisconsin Health Security Act (WHSA) will also provide
• Equipment and supplies, such as hearing aids, eyeglasses, pacemakers, prostheses • Long-term care, including home, hospice and nursing home care • Mental health services, including alcohol and other drug rehabilitation treatment • Freedom to chose your doctor
How will WHSA work?
After Wisconsin legislators pass the WHSA
• One state agency, the Department of Health Planning and Finance (DHPF), will administer most of the program’s services • DHPF will negotiate payments with doctors, hospitals and other providers • DHPF will also cover out-of-state emergencies • Patients will not be billed for any care covered by the program
First way to finance this program
Reduce wasteful spending
• Save money now used by some insurers to – screen applicants and collect premiums – decide who gets what care – pay high administrative salaries and interest to investors • Reduce provider time spent on paperwork • Stop duplication of services and means-testing • Reduce unproven tests and treatments • Negotiate discounts for all prescription drugs
Second way to pay for this program
Use the money now spent for
• Wisconsin Medicare beneficiaries • State programs like Medicaid, BadgerCare and Senior Care • Other public and private health care programs • Charity care
Third way to pay for this program
All employers will pay a health tax based on the size of their business and number of employees, just like they do now for Social Security and Medicare Most employers will pay less than they do now but some will pay more because they don’t provide any benefits now.
Fourth way to pay for this plan
Most residents will pay a health tax based on their income, just like they do for Social Security and Medicare. Most residents will pay less because they now have to pay part of their benefit costs as well as large co-pays & deductibles. Some residents with incomes too low to be taxed will receive free care, just as they do now.
Some advantages of the Wisconsin Security Health Act
• All Wisconsin residents will get good care. • Health care in the state will be less expensive because it will be more efficient and prevent many costly health problems. • Workers will have more job choices because their coverage will be tied to them, not to their jobs. • Small businesses will flourish without the heavy burden of employee health benefits.
Some more advantages of the Wisconsin Security Health Act
• Workers won’t need to depend on their spouses working just to get health benefits. • Wisconsin businesses will be more competitive and successful. Many will hire more workers because they won’t need to spend so much on health care benefits. • Tax payers will pay less for health coverage now provided by school boards, and state and municipal governments.
Adequate health care is your right!
• Tell your health care providers and legislators that you support health care that covers everyone, without exceptions. • Find out which candidates agree with you. • Encourage your family and friends to vote for them. • Sign our petition. • Don’t forget to vote in November!