Wisconsin families can begin signing up for BadgerCare Plus today.
Governor Jim Doyle calls it an historic moment in Wisconsin history. All kids in our state will have access to quality, affordable health care. Right now, he says, about 98,000 kids don't have insurance and that's unacceptable.
"This historic program insures that every Wisconsin family, regardless of their income, has access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare coverage for their kids."
Standing with doctors and nurses at American Family Children's Hospital in Madison, Doyle says some very arcane rules are keeping 42,000 people from qualifying for BadgerCare. But the new BadgerCare Plus would address those who fall through the cracks.
"Farm families … this is a huge change for them. They now no longer have to include their equipment in whether or not they're eligible. So if a farmer's earning no money but has a tractor they haven't been able to have BadgerCare. Now they'll be able to have BadgerCare."
Low income families won't pay a dime to enroll their kids into BadgerCare Plus. Families which earn a bit more will be able to buy into the program for as little as $10.00 a month for each qualifying family member. The State is making plans to expand BadgerCare Plus to cover more than 70,000 childless adults.
Visit BadgerCare Plus online or call: 1-800-362-3002
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:15 MP3)
