A state lawmaker is asking again for an audit of Medicaid. Senator Rob Cowles of Green Bay says spending on the state’s health care program continues to climb. Cowles says he’s making the request in the wake of a similar audit in Pennsylvania. He says in that state, nearly 15 percent of Medicaid applicants weren’t actually eligible, but they got benefits anyway.
The Republican lawmaker says that’s why he wants Majority Democrats on the legislature’s audit committee to order a review in Wisconsin. He says an audit might be “incredibly embarrassing” and discover a lot of problems, but they would have a chance to fix them.
Cowles says with a budget deficit looming next year, it’s critical for lawmakers to find ways to save money on the Medicaid program.
Mike Kemmeter-WHBY