One of the unresolved issues left over from the state budget process is the legislation known as Healthy Wisconsin. Healthy Wisconsin would provide universal health care for all state residents, equal to the benefits that are enjoyed by members of the state Legislature.
Studies indicate that this plan would actually save our state more than $1.7 billion in costs annually. These results are achieved by streamlining administration, lowering drug costs through bulk purchasing, coordinating care of the chronically ill and by rewarding providers who deliver efficient quality care.
State and local governments are estimated to save $1.36 billion under Healthy Wisconsin. Local government would than be able to refund a large portion of this savings to their property taxpayers.
Healthy Wisconsin is not socialized medicine, as it allows private insurance companies and health care providers to compete for services. So if Healthy Wisconsin can save so much money, why are so many business groups against it?
My guess is the freedom such a plan gives workers. If workers are no longer dependent on their employer for health care benefits, think of the mobility that individuals will have.
You can't lose your insurance if you get sick, lose or change jobs or even retire. Many businesses will have to reevaluate their ability to attract and retain employees. An independent worker scares employers more than rising health care costs.
Mark Westphal,
President, Fox Valley Area Labor Council, Menasha
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