County Executive Falk Lobbies in Washington for Medicaid Dollars

February 27, 2003
Sharyn Wisniewski, 267-8823
County Executive

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk today met today with US Senator Russ Feingold in Washington, D.C., to lobby for support of a measure that could increase Medicaid dollars for Dane County, to help seniors and persons with disabilities live independently in their communities. Falk is in Washington attending a meeting as a member of the Board of Directors of the County Executives of America, which is paying her expenses to attend. “I want to see these dollars help deserving people receive care at home or in small group homes in their community. We also could provide services to more people on waiting lists,” said Falk. Dane County partners with the State of Wisconsin to operate the county’s Medicaid program that provides medical assistance to low-income individuals. The federal government provides about 59 percent of the costs. Governor Doyle’s proposed budget calls for Wisconsin to obtain more than $500 million in additional federal reimbursement for costs it has incurred since 2001 under Medicaid which are allowed under federal law. However, the federal Department of Health and Human Services has expressed concern about the claim for the additional funds which the State of Wisconsin is planning to submit. As part of the County Executives of America board meeting agenda, Falk will be briefed on the Bush Administration’s proposed budget for 2004 and its impact on counties across the country. Also, Dennis Smith, director for Medicaid and State Operations, will address the issues county governments are facing surrounding Medicaid. # # #