Wisconsin Governor Doyle Jumpstarts BadgerCare Plus, Insuring Every Wisconsin Child

New Report: Wisconsin Currently Has 98,000 Uninsured Kids

November 07, 2007 -- MADISON, WAUSAU – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today jumpstarted his BadgerCare Plus initiative, which will allow every Wisconsin family, regardless of income, to buy affordable, comprehensive health care coverage for their kids. Families can begin signing up for BadgerCare Plus on February 1, 2008 by visiting www.BadgerCarePlus.org or calling 1-800-362-3002.

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“We have a moral obligation to provide every child in Wisconsin with good, comprehensive health care,” Governor Doyle said. "Health care in Wisconsin should be a birthright, not a ticket to bankruptcy. BadgerCare Plus is simple and will provide health care coverage to more families who need it.”

A new report by the Department of Health and Family Services shows there are currently 98,000 children in Wisconsin without health insurance.

BadgerCare Plus offers health coverage to every child in Wisconsin by streamlining Medicaid, BadgerCare and Healthy Start into one comprehensive program. Low income families will be able to enroll their children into BadgerCare Plus at no charge. Middleclass families will be able to buy into the program for as little as $10 a month.

A family of four making $35,000 a year could enroll each child in BadgerCare Plus for as little as $68.25.

The Department of Health and Family Services will work with the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation to provide $500,000 in grants to YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs and other community organizations to reach out to Wisconsin families and enroll children in BadgerCare Plus.

To learn more about BadgerCare Plus visit: http://www.BadgerCarePlus.org

To view the DHFS report visit: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/stats/pdf/fhs06ins.pdf

Source: Wisconsin Governor