Dear Friend,
A lot of changes are going on in the state and across the country. This week's newsletter will examine the efforts being done to improve the overall health and vitality of our state to build a better Wisconsin.
As usual, please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or opinions you may have about our community or our state.
Sincerely,
Chris Larson
State Senator, District 7
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Improving the Health of Our Economy
This past Tuesday, realizing that he lost the election and given the certainty of losing a frivolous lawsuit, former Senator Wanggaard acknowledged the will of the people by finally conceding to John Lehman. With this turn of events, one more hurdle to getting Wisconsin moving forward on job creation has been removed.
Tuesday, July 17 the Senate will meet to complete the transition of power. Also during this ceremonial session day, Senator Fred Risser will be made Senate President while Senator Tim Carpenter will be named Senate President Pro Tempore. In the meantime, I have been working with my democratic colleagues on restructuring the existing Senate committees. It is likely that committee assignments will be announced by Wednesday, July 18 at the latest. I look forward to holding public hearings and working with other legislators once the committees are announced to get Wisconsin moving forward on job creation and improving the health of our economy.
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Affordable Care Act Upheld by Courts
With the Supreme Court ruling to uphold the Affordable Care Act on June 28, 2012, our country is one step closer to ensuring all Americans have access to basic, affordable health care coverage. The Supreme Court's decision is expected to benefit our neighbors with low- to middle-class incomes who are not offered health care benefits through an employer, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and businesses that struggle to offer health benefits to their workers. Below is a list of just some of the changes our family, friends, and neighbors should expect to see as this legislation is implemented:
* Eliminating lifetime caps on health insurance benefits and preventing denials of coverage for a pre-existing condition
* Limiting insurance companies from charging higher rates due to heath status, gender, or other factors
* Allowing children to remain on a parent's health plan until age 26
* Guaranteeing that health insurers clearly explain a health plan's benefit to consumers
* Discounting branded medications for seniors who hit a donut hole in coverage for their Medicare prescription drug benefits
* Providing yearly wellness exams with no co-pays or deductibles for neighbors with Medicare
* Putting greater emphasis on primary care
* Giving states the opportunity to offer more affordable home and community based services to individuals with disabilities through Medicaid rather than institutional care in nursing homes
Most states are beginning to move forward with state-based reforms to better tailor the Affordable Care Act to meet their needs. Many of these changes will have to be solidified by states in November 2012. While Governor Walker has publicly stated that he does not plan to move forward in implementing the Affordable Care Act, Wisconsin's Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has verified that our state will need to follow the timeline set forth in the Affordable Care Act.
Click here for more information about the timeline for provisions in the Affordable Care Act.
This positive and necessary step forward on health care coverage could not have come at a better time as health care costs continue to rise exponentially and families are negatively impacted by the stagnant economy. I will continue to keep you apprised of any updates on this important issue.
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Office Phone: (608) 266-7505
Toll-free Phone: (800) 361-5487
Email: Sen.Larson@legis.wi.gov
Mailing Address:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707
Web Site:
SenatorChrisLarson.com
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