Statement of Governor Doyle on Passage of Legislation to Protect Seniors

Statement of Governor Doyle on Passage of Legislation to Protect Seniors

Yesterday the Assembly approved an agreement reached by Governor Doyle and Legislative leaders to increase the Medicaid reimbursement rates for nursing homes, as Governor Doyle first proposed in his budget last year. Under the bill, nursing homes will receive a 2.8 percent rate increase over the next two years from the Medicaid program.

Governor Doyle today released the following statement calling on the Senate to pass Assembly Bill 981:

"I am pleased that the Assembly acted unanimously to protect Wisconsin's seniors by increasing payments so that nursing homes in this state can continue to provide high quality services. This increase was made possible because of the Medicaid savings we achieved under my budget and I urge the Senate to pass the bill in its original form tomorrow.

"Our agreement to provide more funding for nursing homes marked a great victory for Wisconsin's seniors and is a sure sign that our fiscal responsibility is paying off. This remains a great opportunity for Democrats and Republicans to work together to make important progress for the people of Wisconsin.

"I am hopeful that members of both parties will continue working together on this and other important priorities, like providing emergency energy assistance to thousands of hardworking Wisconsin families who desperately need it."

Note: The 2.8 percent increase over the next two years represents $11.4 million in state funding, and will bring the state an additional $15.4 million in federal funding.

http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/journal_media_detail.asp?locid=19&prid=1774