ADVOCACY / LEGISLATIVE

BadgerCare Plus Initiated on February 1, 2008
As of February 1st, almost all parents in Wisconsin can have the peace of mind from knowing that they can get health care if their children are sick. The new BadgerCare Plus law isn't perfect, but it goes a long way toward making affordable, cost-effective health insurance available for all Wisconsin children. It also removes barriers for enrollment of parents - particularly farmers and the self-employed - and it significantly expands coverage for pregnant women.

This program can be of significant impact to caregivers. Despite the fact the caregivers work in the health care sector and are exposed to above-average-level of health risk and rate of injury on the job, they are less likely than the average worker to have health insurance coverage. A national study found that 25% of caregivers had no health insurance coverage. Similarly, the Milwaukee study found that 27.5% were uninsured, compared to 11% of the total population at the time of the study.

BadgerCare Plus will be especially instrumental for caregivers in January, 2009 when the program is slated to begin covering childless adults. It is estimated that half of caregivers do not have children under 18, but many caregivers qualify for BadgerCare Plus.

To see if you are eligible for BadgerCare Plus, please visit the State of Wisconsin Access website.