How Home to Stay gives those who have been incarcerated support to restart their lives

President Joe Biden has officially proclaimed April 2024 as Second Chance Month, calling on Congress to invest billions in mental health and substance use services, job training and affordable housing to support people who are leaving incarceration.

While people here and nationwide wait on federal action, Home to Stay makes these same resources far more accessible in Milwaukee every month.

Home to Stay is a resource event that connects those who have been incarcerated with housing, employment, health insurance and banking.

Home to Stay takes place on the first Wednesday of every month from noon to 2 p.m. at Partners in Hope, 324 W. North Ave. Partners in Hope is a division of The Community Warehouse, a faith-based organization that works with returning citizens.

Health care navigators, insurance regulators see increase in questionable sales pitches

With a growing number of people signing up for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act, regulators and health insurance navigators are seeing a troublesome counter-trend: an uptick in people enticed to sign up for coverage that isn’t right for them.

“Every day I hear from people who are grateful to have their health insurance that’s affordable and that allows them to get the health care they need,” says Julia Garvey, who helps patients sign up for coverage in the Fox Valley.

Then, from time to time, there are the red-flag cases — clients who unwittingly get hooked by unscrupulous agents or brokers who pressure them with misleading pitches, often costing them more than they’d otherwise have to pay.

“This is an issue nationally,” Garvey says. “It’s happening in other states as well.”

Gov. Evers: Announces record number of Wisconsinites enroll in health coverage on Healthcare.gov

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) Commissioner Nathan Houdek, today announced that, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), 266,327 Wisconsinites signed up for health insurance on HealthCare.gov during the 2024 Open Enrollment Period. This is a record-high number of Wisconsinites enrolled, marking a 20 percent increase in enrollment from the previous period.

“The health and well-being of our state and our economy depend on the health and well-being of our communities. We’ve been steadfast in encouraging folks to explore all the available plans and take advantage of the Open Enrollment period,” said Gov. Evers. “Our state has never seen higher enrollment numbers, and I am optimistic that with this positive momentum, we will be able to continue building a healthier, stronger state together.”

More Than 20 Million People Have Signed Up For ObamaCare Plans, Blowing By Record

More than 20 million people have signed up for plans on the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces during the annual open enrollment period, far surpassing last year’s record of more than 16 million enrollments, the Biden administration announced on Wednesday.

The figures were a landmark moment for the 2010 health law, underscoring the significance of enhanced subsidies for Americans and the continuing reach of the marketplaces after years of Republican efforts to whittle them down.

“The marketplaces are getting stronger and more embedded into the fabric of U.S. health care,” said Adrianna McIntyre, a health policy expert at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “The more the marketplaces grow, the more it enhances their stability.”

Covering Wisconsin Program Aids in Navigating Health Insurance Plans Amid Medicare Concerns

Wisconsin residents seeking guidance on their health insurance plans can turn to a program initiated by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, named Covering Wisconsin. This program provides aid to individuals trying to navigate their health insurance policies by introducing a ‘GetCovered Connector Tool.’ This tool effectively links individuals with local health insurance experts who can offer advice on applications, appeals, coverage issues, and more. These experts are accessible through Zoom, phone calls, or in-person consultations.

Navigating the Complex World of Health Insurance

The importance of understanding the nuances of one’s health insurance policy is emphasized by the fact that even minor miscommunications or misunderstandings can significantly affect coverage. Advocacy groups like the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation also play a critical role in helping individuals understand their rights, especially when it comes to appealing treatment or medication denials by insurance companies. The process for filing appeals and grievances is outlined on Healthcare.gov.

If you're having a health insurance dispute in Wisconsin, these organizations may be able to help

If navigating your health insurance benefits feels like finding your way through a maze, you're not alone.

"The average person is not trained to navigate the complexities of our health care system," said Adam VanSpankeren, manager of Covering Wisconsin's Navigator Program.

Covering Wisconsin connects people with health insurance experts who can help them navigate their plan. VanSpankeren said the program often helps patients "who didn't know what they didn't know."

"It shouldn't be hard to get the right care," he said.

From figuring out what to do after your health insurer denies coverage to choosing the right insurance plan, here's what experts told the Public Investigator team about finding help in Wisconsin.

Protect Our Care: Lt. Governor Rodriguez, health advocates discuss expanded savings for Wisconsinites in Green Bay during open enrollment

GREEN BAY, WI – Yesterday, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, Covering Wisconsin Navigator Regional Lead Tony Lee and local health care advocates joined Protect Our Care Wisconsin to discuss the current Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period that began on November 1, 2023, and resources available to Wisconsinites looking to enroll in quality, affordable coverage.

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act the Biden administration has been able to expand availability of premium tax credits, make historic investments in the Navigator program, and lower health care costs through other initiatives. Under these new federal laws 80 percent of Wisconsinites were able to find marketplace coverage for $10 or less per month last year.

“We offer expert, free help with health insurance to anyone in Wisconsin,” said NE Wisconsin Regional Lead Tony Lee of Covering Wisconsin. “Open enrollment is still going on and runs through January 16th, plans must be submitted by that date for a February 1st start date.” 

Lee directed Wisconsin residents to www.HealthCare.gov or to call 1-877-942-6837 to speak with a Navigator. 

“I have seen the impact of what happens when people didn’t have access to insurance coverage,” shared Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez. “They would come to the emergency department with their diabetes out of control, their high blood pressure uncontrolled, or a simple injury that had now become so much worse they had to be hospitalized.” 

It’s open enrollment time: Here’s what you need to know to get or keep health insurance

If you’re looking for health insurance, now is the time to enroll.

Open enrollment for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, and Medicaid renewal are underway.

(Photo courtesy of Obamacare.com)

Advocates warn that thousands of Wisconsinites may be at risk of losing their health insurance for 2024 if they don’t apply on time.

Open enrollment for the 2023–’24 ACA Marketplace Health Insurance is available on HealthCare.gov. To ensure coverage, consumers should  enroll in the federal health insurance marketplace by Jan. 16. You can find plans as low as $10 a month.

‘It can feel uncomfortable’

Kennita Hickman is an entrepreneur and insured through the Affordable Care Act.

It’s Open Enrollment Time: Here’s What you Need to Know to get or Keep Health Insurance

Open enrollment for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, and Medicaid renewal are underway.

Advocates warn that thousands of Wisconsinites may be at risk of losing their health insurance for 2024 if they don’t apply on time.

Open enrollment for the 2023–’24 ACA Marketplace Health Insurance is available on HealthCare.gov. To ensure coverage, starting on Jan. 1, consumers should enroll by Dec. 15. You can find plans as low as $10 a month.

For those living without health insurance, a place to turn for answers

All at once John Manno found himself unemployed, without health insurance, and in excruciating pain. Manno, who lives in Ashland, is a freelance musician and rental property owner who has had sporadic health insurance. Just before his back gave out, he found himself completely priced out of the options he saw. Then came the diagnosis: a $100,000 surgery to address his herniated disk and a lot of questions about what insurance options he had, if any.

John Manno of Ashland, a freelance musician and rental property owner, found himself without health insurance at a time when he was recommended for major back surgery.

John ended up on the phone with Covering Wisconsin, a statewide program of UW-Madison Extension, and Health Coverage Navigator Tina Marshalek who helped him through his decisions for coverage.

“I was at the clinic here in Ashland on the phone with her,” Manno said, describing the process of sorting out his options and when his coverage could start. “It was wonderful, I’m so grateful.”

Manno has been a contracted harp player for a number of years and was doing so at an Ashland restaurant until the pandemic temporarily closed the eatery. He didn’t think much of dropping his health insurance premiums when he was on pandemic-related unemployment. That was until his herniated disk started causing neurological damage.

THU AM News: GOP bill would require insurers to cover certain clinical trial costs; Open enrollment period begins

— Sen. Andre Jacque is seeking cosponsors for a bill that would require health insurers to cover certain costs related to participating in a clinical trial. 

In a memo sent to other lawmakers, the De Pere Republican says the legislation aims to ensure clinical trial participants don’t face “unnecessary denial and interruption of coverage and delays in life-saving care” due to their insurer not covering related costs. 

He notes these patients may need to see out-of-network specialists during clinical trials, and denial of coverage can lead to them missing out on participating and receiving potentially lifesaving treatment. 

“The Clinical Trial Coverage Act would address this problem by requiring insurers to cover out-of-network routine care costs for clinical trial participants if no in-network provider is available, ensuring families have at least some peace of mind at a time of great stress and access to clinical trials without paying significant out-of-pocket costs for physician services,” Jacque wrote in the memo. 

Federal law currently requires private insurers to cover “routine services” for these trials from in-network providers, the memo shows. But some patients’ networks may not include the correct providers, leaving them to pay the full price for clinical trial-related services.

Gov. Evers reminds people to renew their health insurance

Gov. Evers, Insurance Commissioner Houdek Encourage Wisconsinites to Sign Up for Healthcare Coverage During Open Enrollment

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) Commissioner Nathan Houdek, today urged Wisconsin residents to sign up for high-quality, affordable healthcare coverage during the 11th annual ‘Open Enrollment’ period.

On Wed., Nov. 1, 2023, open enrollment will begin and continue through Jan. 15, 2024. During this limited time, Wisconsinites are eligible to enroll in one of the health plans available on the individual health insurance marketplace. Those who already have insurance through the marketplace can also renew, update, or upgrade their health plans during this period.

“Healthcare shouldn’t just be for the healthy and wealthy, and that’s why expanding access to healthcare has been a top priority of my administration since Day One,” said Gov. Evers. “I encourage folks to explore all the available plans and take advantage of the Open Enrollment period so we can continue building a healthier, stronger state together.”

Wisconsinites encouraged to sign up for healthcare coverage during open enrollment

Gov. Tony Evers, together with Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) Commissioner Nathan D. Houdek, on Oct. 31 urged Wisconsin residents to sign up for high-quality, affordable healthcare coverage during the 11th annual open enrollment period.

On Wednesday, Nov. 1, open enrollment will begin and continue through Jan. 15, 2024. During this limited time, Wisconsinites are eligible to enroll in one of the health plans available on the individual health insurance marketplace. Those who already have insurance through the marketplace can also renew, update, or upgrade their health plans during this period.

“Healthcare shouldn’t just be for the healthy and wealthy, and that’s why expanding access to healthcare has been a top priority of my administration since Day One,” Evers said. “I encourage folks to explore all the available plans and take advantage of the open enrollment period so we can continue building a healthier, stronger state together.”

Pandemic brings telehealth boom to rural Wisconsin, but barriers linger

Marshfield Medical Center family nurse practitioner Brianna Czaikowski says telehealth appointments are a game-changer for some patients. But in serving a mostly rural community, Czaikowski often fights spotty connections and miscommunication when providing virtual care.

"They feel a lot that I’m talking over them, which sometimes I probably am because (of) the delay," said Czaikowski, a doctor of nursing practice and pediatric urology specialist who sees patients as far away as Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. "You’re not getting that full connection."

Fresh off a COVID-19 pandemic boom, telehealth is increasingly connecting Wisconsinites living in remote areas to a web of health resources. Telehealth claims in 2020 swelled to a 6.3 percent share of total claims in Wisconsin — an increase of more than 2,400 percent from the previous year, according to a report from the Wisconsin Health Information Organization. Some northern counties reported high gains compared with the rest of the state….

Health coverage experts: Sidestep intimidation, prepare to enroll

The fall season is here, meaning many Wisconsinites will soon make decisions about their health coverage. Experts say early preparation with trusted voices can help overcome any fears.

The enrollment period starts November 1 for Wisconsin's health insurance marketplace tied to the Affordable Care Act.

For employer-sponsored coverage, it's typically between September and December. And for Medicare, annual enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7.

Allison Espeseth is the director of Covering Wisconsin, which has navigators who provide unbiased information for free on a lot of these topics. They can also calm nerves about assumptions that all insurance is too expensive…

Bill Kaplan: Governor Evers has common sense and a heart

The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.

Wisconsin is fortunate that Governor Tony Evers and his health care team are in charge with the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). They are newly required by federal law to end continuous Medicaid enrollment. Medicaid enrollees must now apply for renewal to see if they are still eligible. The Medicaid ‘unwinding’, as required by the end of the PHE, is proceeding across the nation…

States’ varying approaches complicate effort to determine impact of Medicaid redeterminations

States are taking differing approaches to Medicaid redeterminations, making it difficult to make apples-to-apples comparisons of disenrollment data or determine if the process is widening health inequities, experts say.

After years of continuous enrollment during the pandemic, states have begun the complex and unprecedented process of figuring out which beneficiaries are still eligible for coverage under the public insurance program for low-income Americans.

States could begin disenrolling beneficiaries from Medicaid beginning in April. Since then, nearly two million people have been removed across 29 states and Washington, D.C., according to KFF.

Cap Times' Evjue Foundation announces over $900,000 in grants

The Evjue Foundation, The Capital Times' charitable arm, today announced its board has approved $911,200 in grants to support area nonprofits and educational institutions.

Included in the gifts is $322,500 for 31 projects at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and $588,700 for 64 organizations to support the work they do to better communities in the Madison area.

Among today's major recipients is the UW's longtime Odyssey Project, which received $35,400 for the college classes it offers in south Madison to adults who never had a chance to attend college and $50,000 to Access Community Health's efforts to bring dental care to people without insurance coverage.

Wisconsin DHS urges timely Medicaid renewals to avoid coverage gap

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is urging residents enrolled in BadgerCare Plus or Wisconsin Medicaid to submit their renewals in a timely manner.

DHS says they sent renewal packets to nearly 53,000 households with renewals scheduled for June on May 15.

To avoid coverage gaps, these members are advised to submit their renewals by Friday, June 16.

In a Wednesday, June 14 press release, State Medicaid Director Jamie Kuhn emphasized the importance of submitting renewals. "If a member is still eligible, we want them to keep their state coverage. If they’re not, we want to help connect them to resources to help them find other options," said Kuhn.

Renewals can be completed online at ACCESS.wi.gov, through the mail or over the phone. Members should refer to the DHS renewal status webpage to find the "just right" renewal period for each month…