A new report from the state shows a growing number of kids in the state are uninsured, with almost 110,000 children going without health insurance for at least part of 2005. Department of Health and Family Services policy director Jason Helgerson says that number was up from about 91,000 in 2004.
Helgerson says there are several factors contributing to the problem. Some of the largest concerns are that employers are scaling back the insurance coverage available to their employees or are limiting how many family members can sign on to programs.
The growing numbers come as Governor Doyle gets set to present a plan in the next budget that would expand access to BadgerCare for children in the state. The program would allow parents to enroll their kids in the program at reduced rates.
There is some positive news out of the report. Helgerson says it does show that nearly 89% of Wisconsinites had some type of health insurance for at least part of 2005.