State health officials estimate that most BadgerCare recipients–facing higher premiums–will remain in the program. But Bobby Peterson with ABC for Health says the changes, recently approved by the federal government, will lead to a system that is more complicated and expensive for families.
On Wednesday, state Department of Health Services Secretary Dennis Smith said letters are being sent out to inform BadgerCare enrollees; just how much their premiums will increase. D.H.S estimate some 17,000 will choose to drop their coverage or be turned away.
“A lot of families that could be getting services aren’t and more will be on the outside looking in,” says Peterson.
Peterson says those without coverage will go to emergency rooms for treatment, which will lead to higher costs for health care and insurance for others.
AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (1:00)