Wisconsin DHS prepares for possible federal funding cuts

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is preparing for possible federal funding cuts, officials announced Monday. They estimate the department could lose between $6 billion to $17 billion in Medicaid funding. If the cuts took place, officials say the state would be forced to make changes and possibly limit who is eligible for help. Wisconsin Medical Director Bill Hannah said, “Fewer people are eligible, which means the uninsured rate will likely go up. Uninsured rates going up means more uncompensated care in our health care infrastructure and hospitals and other providers.” Additional changes could include fewer services, lower provider rates or more state funding.