MADISON - Rep. Brett Davis hailed it as a "significant moment" in the state's history. And Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin called it a great step.
They were referring to Gov. Jim Doyle's announcement Friday that the state and federal government have agreed in principle on the state's plan to expand the BadgerCare Plus health insurance plan to low-income childless adults.
The state is seeking a five-year waiver from the federal government to offer the program.
Davis, R-Oregon, said the state is "one step closer toward ensuring 98 percent of Wisconsin residents have access to quality health care."
Doyle cautioned Friday that because of the economic downturn it wasn't clear how quickly the new program could be offered. The state is facing an estimated $3 billion budget shortfall and Doyle has warned that some state government programs will have to be scaled back or cut. He won't release his budget with those details until February.
It was originally scheduled to begin on Jan. 1. Covering an estimated 81,000 adults who meet income requirements, the plan would extend basic health care coverage, including primary and preventive care and generic drugs. Under the proposal, those who are uninsured and who do not have children under their care may now have access to primary and preventive care.
"It's no secret that along with other financial worries, Wisconsinites face skyrocketing health care costs," Baldwin said. "In this difficult economic climate, many are forced to delay health care until it is critically necessary and even more costly."
They were referring to Gov. Jim Doyle's announcement Friday that the state and federal government have agreed in principle on the state's plan to expand the BadgerCare Plus health insurance plan to low-income childless adults.
The state is seeking a five-year waiver from the federal government to offer the program.
Davis, R-Oregon, said the state is "one step closer toward ensuring 98 percent of Wisconsin residents have access to quality health care."
Doyle cautioned Friday that because of the economic downturn it wasn't clear how quickly the new program could be offered. The state is facing an estimated $3 billion budget shortfall and Doyle has warned that some state government programs will have to be scaled back or cut. He won't release his budget with those details until February.
It was originally scheduled to begin on Jan. 1. Covering an estimated 81,000 adults who meet income requirements, the plan would extend basic health care coverage, including primary and preventive care and generic drugs. Under the proposal, those who are uninsured and who do not have children under their care may now have access to primary and preventive care.
"It's no secret that along with other financial worries, Wisconsinites face skyrocketing health care costs," Baldwin said. "In this difficult economic climate, many are forced to delay health care until it is critically necessary and even more costly."