WHA’s Hospitals Education Advocacy Team (HEAT) held two roundtable events February 11 with local legislators in Bloomer and Mauston. Both meetings centered discussions on the upcoming State Budget, particularly focusing on Medicaid reimbursement, especially in outpatient hospital and behavioral health settings, Wisconsin’s Graduate Medical Education programs, and telemedicine.
In Bloomer, hospital advocates from HSHS Western Division, Marshfield Clinic, and Mayo Clinic met with Representative Rob Summerfield at Mayo Clinic Health System - Chippewa Valley in Bloomer. Summerfield represents the 67th Assembly district, covering portions of Chippewa and Dunn counties. He also serves as Chair of the Committee on Medicaid Reform and Oversight, a newly formed committee.
Similarly, hospital advocates in Mauston met with Representative Tony Kurtz at Mile Bluff Medical Center. Kurtz is a newly elected freshman representing the 50th Assembly District. He is the Vice Chair of the Assembly Committee on Health.
HEAT roundtables are held around the state connecting hospital advocates with legislators in their local district. They provide the opportunity to candidly discuss the important issues impacting Wisconsin hospitals and the communities they serve. To participate in a HEAT roundtable in your area or host a meeting with legislators at your hospital, contact
Kari Hofer, WHA Vice President of Advocacy.