Healthcare (Insurance)

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 30, 2026

AB 1218: Relating to: preventing surprise bills for emergency medical services and other items and services under health insurance policies and plans. (FE)

This bill aims to protect health insurance enrollees from unexpected medical bills by establishing rules for how insurance plans must handle emergency care and services provided by out-of-network providers. It requires insurance plans to cover emergency medical services without requiring prior authorization and ensures that cost-sharing amounts for out-of-network emergency care are no higher than what would apply for in-network care. Additionally, the bill mandates that plans pay out-of-network providers directly for emergency services and certain non-emergency services provided at in-network facilities, preventing patients from being billed for the difference between the out-of-network rate and the recognized amount. These provisions apply to defined network plans, preferred provider plans, and self-insured governmental plans that have networks of participating providers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patients from surprise medical bills and ensures out-of-network emergency care costs match in-network rates, strengthening patient financial protection and access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 1216: Relating to: a state-based insurance exchange and making an appropriation. (FE)

This bill establishes a state-based health insurance exchange and provides funding for its operation. It requires the state insurance commissioner to set up an exchange that joins the federal platform by 2029 and transitions to a fully state-run system by 2030. The legislation creates a new fee structure where insurers using the exchange pay a 0.5 percent charge on premiums during the federal platform phase, with different rates applying after the transition. Additionally, it sets rules for how unspent funds from the exchange program must be handled at the end of each fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes state health insurance exchange with dedicated funding and fee structure, advancing state fiscal management and healthcare infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes state-based health insurance exchange and provides funding, expanding access to health coverage and strengthening healthcare infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Insurance

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1121: Relating to: BadgerCare purchase option, basic plan, state-based insurance exchange, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

This bill creates a basic health plan option for individuals with household incomes up to 200% of the poverty line and establishes a purchase option program allowing eligible individuals with higher incomes to buy coverage through the state program instead of private insurance. The program would offer benefits equal to existing state coverage, use premium rates similar to managed care plans, and allow enrollment during standard open enrollment periods while seeking federal waivers to ensure financial stability. Additionally, the bill directs the state to develop a state-based insurance exchange that would allow access to these purchase options and grants officials authority to create necessary rules for implementation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands health coverage by creating a basic plan for low-income individuals and establishing a purchase option for higher-income individuals, increasing access to healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 1086: Relating to: reimbursement of maternal mental health screenings under the Medical Assistance program and coverage of maternal mental health screenings by health insurance policies and plans. (FE)

This bill requires Wisconsin's Medicaid program (Medical Assistance) to reimburse providers for maternal mental health screenings during pregnancy. It also mandates that all health insurance plans covering maternity must include these screenings as a standard benefit, with no cost to the patient. The law specifies that screenings can be provided by licensed midwives, nurse-midwives, or other qualified healthcare providers. It includes a requirement for the state to develop screening standards in consultation with organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. Coverage requirements will take effect for most plans starting September 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates Medicaid reimbursement and requires insurance coverage for maternal mental health screenings with no patient cost, expanding access to mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Insurance Medicaid

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1044: Relating to: health insurance coverage of vaccines if recommended by certain organizations and consideration of recommendations of certain organizations regarding the state immunization program vaccination schedule.

This bill requires health insurance plans to cover vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for children under 6 years old. If the CDC withdraws its recommendations, insurers must instead cover vaccines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics or American Academy of Family Physicians. It applies to all health insurance plans, including self-insured state/local government plans, covering dependent children. The law ensures continuous vaccine coverage regardless of changes to CDC guidelines.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates health insurance coverage for CDC-recommended childhood vaccines, expanding access to essential preventive care without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Insurance Public Health

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1077: Relating to: health insurance coverage of prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces. (FE)

SB 1077 requires health insurance plans - including self-insured plans operated by state/local governments - to cover prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces when medically necessary for daily activities, job functions, or bathing. It mandates coverage equal to federal standards (42 USC 1395k-1395m), including materials, repairs, and replacement without lifetime restrictions if repairs exceed 60% of replacement costs. The law applies to all covered individuals (enrollees in private plans or government self-insured plans) and requires insurers to provide written explanations for coverage denials based on medical necessity. It also ensures access to at least two in-network providers for these devices.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for prosthetics/orthotics without lifetime limits, expanding patient access to medically necessary devices per federal standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 1066: Relating to: use of artificial intelligence to deny prior authorization for medical necessity or experimental status.

SB 1066 prohibits health insurance companies (including disability insurance and self-insured plans) from using artificial intelligence to deny prior authorization for medical treatments or experimental procedures. Instead, the bill requires a licensed healthcare provider to review these requests before a denial can be issued. It directly affects insurers that currently use AI for these decisions and healthcare providers who seek approval for patient care. The law takes effect in the fourth month after publication, with specific transition rules for plans under collective bargaining agreements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits AI denial of medical authorizations, requiring licensed provider review to protect patient access and rights in healthcare decisions.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits AI use in insurance denials, requiring human review instead. Directly restricts AI application in healthcare decisions, aligning with 'oppose' stance on technology deployment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Artificial Intelligence

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 1087: Relating to: special enrollment period for pregnancy.

AB 1087 creates a special enrollment period for pregnancy, requiring health benefit plans and self-insured health plans to allow pregnant individuals and their eligible family members to enroll at any time during pregnancy. Coverage must begin no later than the first day of the calendar month following medical verification of pregnancy, with individuals able to choose an earlier start date. The bill mandates that insurers provide clear notice of this special enrollment option during initial enrollment. This policy directly affects pregnant people seeking health coverage and the health plans that must implement this new enrollment window.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates special enrollment period for pregnancy, enabling immediate health coverage access without waiting for open enrollment cycles. Expands insurance access for pregnant individuals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Women's Health

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 889: Relating to: creating the Wisconsin Climate Corps program, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 889 establishes the Wisconsin Climate Corps program to create climate-focused job opportunities for workers aged 16-30, with at least 50% from underserved communities. The program funds projects like restoring natural lands, weatherizing homes for energy efficiency, and building community gardens, administered by a board overseeing contracts with nonprofit managers. Key requirements include paying workers $15/hour, providing housing stipends ($100/week), and gold-level health insurance. Sponsors (local governments, tribes, or nonprofits) must submit annual reports, and completed projects require permanent plaques identifying them as Wisconsin Climate Corps initiatives. The bill appropriates state funds for grants to approved projects under this framework.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly makes an appropriation to fund the Wisconsin Climate Corps program with specific wage/benefit requirements, directly advancing state budget allocation for climate jobs.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly funds weatherizing homes for energy efficiency, directly advancing energy efficiency policy as a key energy infrastructure measure.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates climate-focused jobs including natural land restoration, energy-efficient weatherization, and community gardens - directly advancing environmental conservation and pollution reduction.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates gold-level health insurance for Climate Corps workers, directly expanding coverage under the program's requirements.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides housing stipends ($100/week) and funds home weatherization, indirectly supporting housing affordability and worker housing needs.65% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates $15/hr wage, housing stipends, and gold-level health insurance for climate corps workers, directly advancing employment standards and worker benefits through funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Energy Efficiency Insurance

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 754: Relating to: coverage of tests for sexually transmitted diseases by health insurance policies and plans. (FE)

AB 754 requires most health insurance plans and disability policies covering preventive care to cover home test kits for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), including HIV. It mandates coverage when a healthcare provider deems the test medically necessary and orders it directly or through a standing order. The law defines "home test kits" as products meeting CDC or FDA guidelines, allowing self-collection outside clinical settings. This applies to plans covering primary care or preventive services, including laboratory processing costs for approved kits.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates health insurance coverage for STI home test kits under preventive care, expanding access to testing without cost barriers when medically necessary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Primary Care

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