OPA is conducting a survey of gubernatorial and legislative candidates for statewide coalition

On behalf of the Wisconsin School Medicaid Coalition, which consists of organizations committed to quality school-based health services, O’Meara Public Affairs has sent questionnaires to all Wisconsin gubernatorial and legislative candidates, asking their position on legislation to increase the percentage of Medicaid dollars going to schools.

According to current state law, Wisconsin school districts receive just 60% of the funds the state receives for Medicaid services billed in the school setting. The remaining 40% is deposited in the state’s general fund. The percentage going back to schools is much lower that most other states, many of which give 100% of the funds to the schools.

In his last two state budget proposals, Governor Tony Evers proposed increasing the amount going to schools to 100%. And legislation introduced by Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) and others would have made the same change. Unfortunately, the budget proposal and legislation were not approved by the Legislature.

This change is particularly important right now as the state is implementing reversal of the “Free Care Rule,” thereby allowing schools to bill for services for any child eligible for Medicaid, not just those who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). In other words, more money will be available to schools.

OPA will be compiling the results of the survey and working with clients to share the results. The Wisconsin Association of School Nurses (WASN) is particularly committed to this initiative.