Number
210055
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
200668
Sponsor
ALD. DIMITRIJEVIC
Title
Substitute resolution expressing the City of Milwaukee’s support for the Medicaid expansion included in Governor Tony Evers’ proposed 2021-23 State biennial budget, and directing the Department of Administration-Intergovernmental Relations Division to lobby for passage of this legislation.
Analysis
This resolution expresses the City of Milwaukee’s support for the Medicaid expansion included in Governor Tony Evers’ proposed 2021-23 State biennial budget, and directs the Department of Administration-Intergovernmental Relations Division to lobby for passage of this legislation.
Body
Whereas, The income eligibility in Wisconsin for Medicaid benefits administered under BadgerCare is currently 100% of the federal poverty level; and
Whereas, Under the federal Affordable Care Act of 2010, a state is eligible for increased federal matching funds under Medicaid if it expands eligibility by increasing the income eligibility threshold from 100% of the federal poverty level to 138%; and
Whereas, Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid eligibility by increasing income thresholds to 138% to qualify for increased federal matching funds, and 2 states have passed legislation to do so and are in the implementation process; and
Whereas, Governor Tony Evers’ proposed 2021-23 State biennial budget proposes to expand Medicaid eligibility by increasing the income threshold for Medicaid benefits to 138% of the federal poverty level consistent with Affordable Care Act guidelines; and
Whereas, The Wisconsin Department of Health Services estimates 91,000 additional Wisconsinites will qualify for Medicaid benefits under the Governor’s proposed Medicaid eligibility expansion; and
Whereas, The Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates the State will receive $635 million in additional federal matching funds during the 2021-23 biennial budget period if the Governor’s proposed Medicaid expansion is adopted; and
Whereas, The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 increases federal matching funds rate for Medicaid benefits for the 12 states, including Wisconsin, that have not expanded Medicaid eligibility by increasing income thresholds; and
Whereas, The Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates the State will receive $1.014 billion in additional federal matching funds during the 2021-23 State biennial budget period through the American Rescue Plan Act if the Governor’s proposed Medicaid expansion is adopted; and
Whereas, The Medicaid expansion proposed by Governor Tony Evers’ 2021-23 State biennial budget is expected to be a direct benefit to the additional 91,000 Wisconsinites projected to become eligible for Medicaid benefits with Medicaid expansion, and it is expected all state residents will benefit through the estimated $1.649 billion increase in federal matching funds during the 2021-23 biennial budget period; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the City of Milwaukee supports the Medicaid expansion included in Governor Tony Evers’ proposed 2021-23 State biennial budget (AB 68/SB 111); and, be it
Further Resolved, The Department of Administration-Intergovernmental Relations Division is directed to lobby for passage of this initiative; and, be it
Further Resolved, That Common Council Resolution File Number 200668 is amended by inserting the following item in the document attached to the file and identified as “2020-2021 Leg. Package - Detailed Proposals”:
|
Public Health and Safety |
Health Department |
Seek passage of the Medicaid expansion included in Governor Tony Evers’ proposed 2021-23 State biennial budget (AB 68/SB 111). |
; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Clerk shall forward copies of this resolution to members of the City of Milwaukee’s delegation to the Wisconsin Legislature.
Requester
Drafter
LRB 176682-2
Aaron Cadle
May 5, 2021