AB 180 requires the state Department of Health Services to request a federal waiver from the USDA to prohibit the use of FoodShare benefits (the state's name for SNAP) for purchasing candy or sugary drinks. The bill mandates that if the waiver is granted, candy and sugary drinks would be excluded from eligible items; if denied, the state must reapply annually. This applies directly to FoodShare recipients who currently can use benefits for these items. The bill creates a procedural requirement for the state to seek this change but does not immediately ban the purchases.
AB 1001 creates a new grant program to fund community emergency medical services (EMS) programs that employ community paramedics or practitioners, appropriating $600,000 for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. It also separately increases funding for falls prevention initiatives by $200,000 annually for the same fiscal years. The bill replaces an existing statutory provision (which it subsequently repeals effective July 1, 2027), directing funds specifically to these two community health initiatives. These grants directly support local EMS providers and community health programs focused on emergency response and fall prevention.
AB 915 creates a $400-per-employee tax credit for Wisconsin small businesses (with 1-50 employees) that offer individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements (ICHRA) to their workers. To qualify, businesses must contribute at least $400 per covered employee annually into the ICHRA, and employees must accept the arrangement. The credit reduces state income tax liability for qualifying businesses, with partnerships and LLCs required to allocate the credit to owners based on ownership shares. This policy directly affects small employers seeking to provide health benefits without traditional group plans, while requiring specific contribution levels to claim the credit.
AB 970 allocates $600,000 in state funding for two programs: (1) grants to six municipal emergency medical services programs (prioritizing two rural, two suburban, and two urban programs) to hire full-time community paramedics or practitioners, and (2) $200,000 annually for the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging to run statewide falls prevention initiatives. The bill creates a pilot program requiring grantees to report on cost savings and service impact within one year. It directly affects local EMS providers and aging services organizations by funding community-based health support. The funding is appropriated for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, with a 12-month deadline for grant awards.
Assembly Bill 43 permits pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives to individuals aged 18 and older. Pharmacists must adhere to new rules, including requiring patients to complete a self-assessment questionnaire and undergo a blood pressure screening. The bill also mandates that pharmacists report prescriptions to the patient's primary care provider, provide a written record, and carry malpractice liability insurance. Furthermore, it ensures these contraceptives are covered under Medical Assistance when prescribed by pharmacists and grants the Pharmacy Examining Board authority for related rule-making.
AB 23 establishes a 22-member Palliative Care Council within the Department of Health Services to advise on palliative care policy. The council includes physicians, nurses, patient advocates, insurers, and legislators, with specific requirements for geographic and program-type representation (e.g., community-based vs. hospital-based care). It will evaluate palliative care programs, advise on reimbursement mechanisms, and report biennially to the legislature on access and impact. The bill explicitly excludes physician-assisted suicide and similar topics from the council’s advisory scope. This bill directly affects palliative care providers, patients, insurers, and state health agencies through structured policy guidance.
AB 226 prohibits public school districts and independent charter schools from serving free or reduced-price school meals containing five specific ingredients: brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, azodicarbonamide, and red dye 3. The law applies to meals under federal programs like the National School Lunch Program and takes effect July 1, 2027. It does not restrict private vendors from serving these ingredients at school events or on school premises. The bill directly affects schools serving subsidized meals to eligible students.
SB 264 requires health insurance plans and the Medical Assistance program to cover specific breast cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. It defines two key types of screenings: "diagnostic breast examinations" (used to evaluate symptoms or abnormalities, like mammograms) and "supplemental breast screening examinations" (for high-risk individuals without symptoms, using MRI or ultrasound). The bill prohibits cost-sharing (such as copays) for all diagnostic screenings and for the first supplemental screening per year, while allowing limited cost-sharing for additional supplemental screenings in the same year. This directly affects individuals with health insurance or Medical Assistance who require these screenings, particularly those at higher risk for breast cancer.
SB 23 extends Medicaid eligibility for postpartum women from 60 days to 365 days (one year) after pregnancy, directly affecting pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in the Medical Assistance program. The bill modifies eligibility rules to ensure coverage continues without regard to income changes during this extended period. It also adds a provision allowing women with family income above 300% of the poverty line to qualify if medical expenses for family members are covered, extending this eligibility to all family members. The bill requires federal approval for the 365-day extension to take effect.
AB 388 creates a one-time grant program to fund Rogers Behavioral Health for constructing an integrated mental health facility in Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley region. The facility will provide inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient services for adolescents and adults. To receive the grant, Rogers must submit detailed certification plans for each service type (e.g., inpatient, residential) and report annually on facility operations and Medical Assistance patient access. The bill establishes specific requirements for facility certification under state health codes and mandates annual reporting to the Department of Health Services.
