Thread: WI-State Senate approves new health program for poor

State Senate approves new health program for poor

The Associated Press
February 25, 2010
MADISON, WI

The Wisconsin Senate on Thursday approved a state-run program to provide basic health insurance for thousands of low-income Wisconsin residents waiting for care.

The Senate approved the program, nicknamed BadgerCare Basic, on a 17-16 vote after a spirited three-hour debate. All Democrats voted in favor except Sen. Kathleen Vinehout of Alma, who was joined by the chamber’s Republicans in opposition.

Supporters said the plan proposed by Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle was critical to help those on a waiting list for the BadgerCare Core plan, which was suspended last October after enrollment far exceeded projections. Senators said the list had grown to 25,000 people, many of them unemployed, sick and desperately in need of insurance.

“We can’t leave these people out in the cold,â€

THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!!!