March 4, 2026
MADISON, Wis. — Today, State Representative Tara Johnson (D – Town of Shelby) introduced a BadgerCare Public Option bill alongside her Democrat colleagues. Representative Johnson shared the following statement:
“I am proud to be with all of these amazing folks and so many of my fellow Democrats in the legislature who, like me, believe that health care is a right, and who understand that too many Wisconsinites are currently unable to access or afford health care. Affordability is the number one concern I hear from constituents. Wisconsinites are being bombarded by rising costs and expenses on all fronts. With costs growing and our wallets reeling from inflation, it is time for us to act.”
“When it comes to helping folks in Wisconsin gain access to health care, we can do more. We must do more. And we know it can be done. This bill provides genuine relief to our neighbors, 52% of whom delayed or skipped health care visits or procedures this year due to high pricing. When this law is passed, Wisconsinites will have an affordable option, instead of the sky-high premiums and massive deductibles currently available from private insurance carriers.”
“This bill also expands BadgerCare enrollment to businesses with less than 50 employees, meaning small businesses across Wisconsin will be able to offer affordable insurance to their employees without damaging their bottom line. A healthier Wisconsin and a more even playing field so that Main Street can compete with Wall Street – that’s a win-win we should all get behind.”
“Thank you to the speakers who showed up today to share this important message, especially to Chef Evan Dannells, owner of Cadre Restaurant and Madison’s 2025 Chef of the Year, who shared the need for a public option to provide lower cost options for folks in the hospitality industry. And Indiana Hauser, a La Crosse area resident who shared her story of losing coverage through the ACA after her premium skyrocketed, forcing her to forgo medical treatment. This bill would get Indiana on BadgerCare and get her back to the treatment she needs to live a healthy life”
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