AB 340 increases state reimbursement for school medical services in Wisconsin from 60% to 100% of the federal share for eligible school districts, cooperative agencies, and specialized programs like the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It also raises reimbursement for administrative costs from 90% to 100% of the federal share, using time studies to calculate these costs. The bill explicitly includes common carrier transportation costs as part of reimbursable school medical services, unless federal policy changes prohibit it. School districts and agencies must still comply with federal health department requirements to receive these reimbursements.
SB 566 requires most health insurance plans to cover infertility treatment and fertility preservation services, directly affecting individuals seeking these services and their insurers. It mandates coverage for diagnosis and treatment of infertility (defined as failure to conceive after specified timeframes) and standard fertility preservation (like egg freezing before cancer treatment), including at least four egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers per medical guidelines. Insurers cannot impose stricter cost-sharing or exclusions for infertility care compared to other pregnancy-related benefits. The bill applies to group health plans and self-insured plans, excluding certain disability policies and state/local self-insured plans.
AB 308 prohibits Wisconsin state and local government funds from being used to pay for health services for individuals without legal immigration status. The bill directly affects undocumented residents by blocking state/local funding for their healthcare. Key provisions ban state/local funds for such services (except where federal law requires payment or where applying the ban would cause loss of federal funds). The law does not restrict federal healthcare programs or funding. This is a policy change affecting state budget allocations, not a procedural measure.
AB 604 would require Wisconsin's Department of Health Services to request a federal Medicaid waiver to provide pre-release medical coverage for incarcerated individuals eligible for Medicaid. It specifically covers case management, medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, and a 30-day supply of prescription medications for up to 90 days before release. This bill directly affects incarcerated people who qualify for Medicaid, aiming to improve continuity of care upon reentry. The waiver request must be submitted by January 1, 2027, to allow state and federal reimbursement for these services. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to expand healthcare access during a critical transition period.
AB 246 requires certain health insurance plans - including those covering government employees (state, county, city, town, village, or school district) and disability insurance - to cover asthma medications and related supplies like inhalers. It limits out-of-pocket costs to $25 per month for each asthma medication and $50 total for all related supplies, with no deductibles applied. The law applies specifically to these government-backed plans and self-insured employer plans, not all health insurance. It ensures asthma treatment remains affordable without requiring patients to meet deductibles first.
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.
SB 182 provides tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and practitioners enrolled in technical college emergency medical services (EMS) programs. It requires technical colleges offering EMS programs to prioritize grant funds for expanding student enrollment access - either through direct program expansion or by contracting with districts for expansion services. The bill also updates program terminology throughout (replacing "course" with "program") to clarify educational standards. This directly affects EMS students, technical colleges, and the state's EMS workforce development system.
SB 383 requires hospitals to publish clear pricing information for "shoppable services" (like surgeries and imaging) in a machine-readable format, including standard charges, negotiated rates with insurers, and discounted cash prices. This applies to all hospitals not specifically exempted (e.g., psychiatric or correctional facilities) and aims to help patients compare costs before receiving care. The bill also includes restrictions on certain aggressive debt collection practices against patients and establishes penalties for noncompliance with transparency requirements.
SJR 53 is a symbolic resolution designating May 2025 and May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the importance of mental well-being for all Wisconsinites, aiming to promote dialogue, reduce stigma, and highlight existing mental health challenges across the state. The resolution affects all residents by encouraging community awareness during this designated month.
SB 352 creates a $5 million annual grant program to help school districts hire mental health professionals who are members of racial minority groups. It directly affects school districts (which apply for grants) and mental health professionals from specified racial minority groups, including Black Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Hispanics, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and multiracial individuals. The bill requires the state education department to administer the grants and develop rules for implementation, with funding allocated for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years. The policy change focuses on increasing access to culturally representative mental health support in schools through targeted hiring.
