Senate Stall on BadgerCare Expansion

The Wisconsin Senate has temporarily delayed action on a bill to create a new health insurance program for more than 20,000 Wisconsin residents.

Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker says lawmakers want to take a “longer look” at the bill, which had been expected to be be approved Tuesday. Senators said they expected to consider the bill with some changes on Thursday.

The plan, known as BadgerCare Basic, would cost enrollees $130 per month and is designed to pay for itself without additional tax dollars. The benefits for low-income adults with no children could cover basic primary and preventive care.

Gov. Jim Doyle’s administration pitched the program after more than 20,000 people were put on a waiting list for the BadgerCare Core Plan, which suspended enrollment in October after running out of money.