Wisconsin Democrats Propose Public Option for BadgerCare Plus

With rising healthcare costs, Wisconsin Democrats are again proposing a “public option” to expand access to affordable health coverage through the state’s BadgerCare Plus program. The legislation, announced by State Representative Tara Johnson (D-Town of Shelby) on Tuesday, would allow individuals not currently eligible for Medicaid to buy into BadgerCare Plus.

Expanding Access to Affordable Healthcare

BadgerCare Plus currently provides healthcare coverage to families and individuals with household incomes up to the federal poverty guideline – $15,960 for a single person and $33,000 for a family of three. Representative Johnson’s bill aims to broaden access by creating a public option, enabling those with higher incomes to directly purchase coverage from the plan.

Addressing Affordability Concerns

The proposal comes as healthcare costs continue to climb, particularly for those purchasing insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Democrats argue a public option would offer a more affordable alternative to private insurance plans, which often arrive with high premiums and substantial deductibles. “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,” Johnson stated at a news conference.

Impact on Small Businesses

The legislation similarly includes a provision to allow small businesses with fewer than 50 employees to enroll in BadgerCare plans. This aims to help these businesses provide affordable health insurance to their employees without negatively impacting their financial stability. Representative Johnson highlighted that this would create a more level playing field for Main Street businesses competing with larger corporations.

Addressing Expired Subsidies

Senator Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) emphasized the timing of the bill, noting that enhanced subsidies that lowered the cost of ACA marketplace plans expired at the end of 2025. Larson explained that average premiums more than doubled when these subsidies ended, particularly for couples with incomes over 400% of the federal poverty guideline.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While Democrats are advocating for the bill, its passage remains uncertain. With the Assembly having concluded its floor period for 2026, the proposal faces an uphill battle. Still, Representative Johnson expressed optimism that the legislature could grab up the bill during upcoming session days in March, April, and May, contingent on the Speaker’s willingness to schedule it. “A lot of these bills are sitting in Google Drives,” added Representative Supreme Moore Omokunde (D-Milwaukee), highlighting the readiness of Democrats to address healthcare affordability.

Personal Stories Highlight Need

Individuals like Indiana Hauser of La Crosse shared their struggles with rising healthcare costs, emphasizing the potential impact of a public option. Hauser, who works two part-time jobs without insurance benefits, saw her monthly premiums increase from $12 to $400 for worse coverage after the subsidies expired. Hauser’s story underscores the urgent need for affordable healthcare options in Wisconsin.