During Marathon Session, Wisconsin Republicans Pass Legislation Bringing Health Care Changes

[riversedge]

During Marathon Session, Republicans Pass Legislation Bringing Health Care Changes


https://www.wpr.org/during-marathon-session-republicans-pass-legislation-bringing-health-care-changes

If Walker Signs Bills, Some Medicaid Recipients Would Have To Work; State Would Remain In Lawsuit Challenging The ACA
Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 3:35pm

Wisconsin Legislature Works Overnight To Approve Limiting Gov.-Elect Tony Evers' Power
After Raucous Hearing, Bills To Restrict Early Voting, Curtail Evers' Powers Move To Full Legislature
PHOTOS: Legislators, Protesters Descend On State Capitol For Lame-Duck Session

A set of bills rushed through the Legislature in a lame-duck session late Tuesday and early Wednesday morning will determine whether those on Medicaid have to work, and whether those with pre-existing conditions can get health insurance.

A bill that aimed to offer protections at the state level failed to pass during the extraordinary session. Another avenue to protect those with pre-existing conditions is also in peril if Gov. Scott Walker signs the legislation. Wisconsin is currently involved in a federal lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act. If successful, the multi-state challenge against the ACA could eliminate protections for those with pre-existing conditions.

On the campaign trail, Gov.-elect Tony Evers indicated that we could remove Wisconsin from that lawsuit. But under the newly approved bill, he would have to get approval to withdraw from the Legislature's budget committee, where Republicans hold a majority.

In another newly approved bill, Evers would also have to seek legislative approval before modifying a federal Medicaid waiver that would affect childless adults under age 50 who make less than the federal poverty level — about $12,000 a year. Able-bodied, childless adults would have to pay monthly premiums. They would also have to work or do 80 hours of community service a month to get health benefits.

Evers had said he was considering ending the policy sought by Walker, which was approved by the Trump administration shortly before the November election.

Republicans in the Legislature said during floor debate that the changes would restore a balance of power between the legislative and executive branches.

"The situation that we are sitting in right now if we do not pass these proposals is that we are going to have a very liberal governor who is going to enact policies that are in direct contrast to what many of us believe in," said Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester.

But Democrats said it shows disrespect to the institution.

"Republicans couldn't even wait 24 hours after the election to say they were planning to strip Gov.-elect Evers of his powers before he has even taken the oath of office," Assembly Democratic Leader Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, said in a statement released after the session was over. ................................................

[dlk]

1. How Much Evidence Does it Take for Americans to Understand Republicans Don't Believe in Democracy?

Again and again, they overturn the will of the voters. Talk about a threat to our country...

[riversedge]

2. and living here in WI, makes it horrible.