[WATCH] Rep. Pocan: American Rescue Plan Got People Into Jobs, Shots Into Arms, Kids Back Into School

Thursday, April 1, 2021

During Facebook LIVE with Opportunity Wisconsin and SEIU Wisconsin State Council, Representative Pocan highlighted how the American Rescue Plan is a game-changer for Wisconsin workers and families

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MADISON, Wis.— As Wisconsinites start to feel the benefits of the American Rescue Plan, today Opportunity Wisconsin and SEIU Wisconsin State Council spoke with Representative Mark Pocan and Badger State residents on Facebook LIVE, discussing how this historic law is helping Wisconsinites recover from the COVID pandemic. Last month, Opportunity Wisconsin launched a six-figure digital ad campaign holding Senator Ron Johnson accountable for fighting tooth-and-nail against the American Rescue Plan. 

“We made sure that we got the bill that was needed to match the size of the problem we’re facing. And it was a $1.9 trillion bill. But that bill got people into jobs, it got shots into arms, it got kids back into school, and some of the funding is expended to help schools be safe, and it really is the bill that was needed probably a year ago, but it’s now done,” said Representative Pocan. 

Representative Pocan continued, calling out Republicans in Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation for their obstruction of the American Rescue Plan, “Rather than provide votes for the survival checks, unemployment assistance, small business assistance, local and state government, reopening schools, getting shots in arms—every single Republican voted no...The most loud voice of all of them was Senator Ron Johnson.”   

The American Rescue Plan provides direct payments of up to $1,400 per person (in addition to the $600 per person provided in December) for more than 3.8 million adults and 1.3 million children. This covers 89% of all adults  and 88% of all children in the state. 

“Nearly 4 million people in the state of Wisconsin received relief checks through the American Rescue Plan that put almost $7 billion into our economy, and that’s nothing to shake a stick at. That’s enormous,” said Carlene Bechen, Oregon, the event moderator and Opportunity Wisconsin steering committee member. 

Additionally, the American Rescue Plan includes $20 billion for vaccine distribution, including $7.5 billion to set up vaccination sites across the country. 

“I’m very glad to see the PPE and testing and vaccination provisions, not just for health care workers like myself that need them, but our whole communities so that we’re able to all recover,” said Peter T., a frontline healthcare worker from Madison and member of SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin.

“[If the bill hadn’t been passed], I honestly feel like child care would no longer exist as we know it. We already had a child care desert - 1 slot for every 3 kids in almost 80% of our rural areas and 50% across the state. I know myself I probably would have left the field. I know several others who also would leave the field because you can’t pay your bills if you can’t keep open. I would have lost thousands upon thousands upon thousands of dollars and been bankrupted last year,” said Corrine Hendrickson, a New Glarus childcare provider. 

Earlier this month, Opportunity Wisconsin released two new reports highlighting how the American Rescue Plan supports Wisconsin families and helps lower healthcare costs. Read more here about how the American Rescue Plan is working for Wisconsin.

Members of the media unable to attend, but wishing to speak with event participants, should email press@opportunitywisconsin.org to arrange interviews.

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ICYMI: WI Community Health Centers to Receive Over $59 Million to Expand Vaccine Distribution

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Funding from American Rescue Plan goes into effect on April 1

MADISON, Wis.— As a result of the American Rescue Plan, community health centers across the Badger State will soon receive over $59 million to expand COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and treatment for vulnerable populations. The announcement, made last week by the Biden-Harris Administration, is part of a nearly $10 billion nationwide investment “to expand access to vaccines and better serve communities of color, rural areas, low-income populations, and other underserved communities in the COVID-19 response.”

Community health centers serve 1 in 5 people living in rural communities across America. More than 91% of health center patients are individuals or families living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and more than 60% are racial or ethnic minorities.

“Community health centers are a vital source of healthcare for so many across the Badger State, especially during this global pandemic,” said Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director. “This critical investment from the American Rescue Plan will rush assistance to those in rural and underserved communities who need it most.” 

Wisconsin American Rescue Plan Act Awards

(Source: Health Resources & Services Administration)

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NEW REPORT: American Rescue Plan Lowers Healthcare Premiums by Nearly $600 for Wisconsinites

Friday, March 26, 2021

52,000 uninsured Badger State residents are now eligible for tax credits when buying health care thanks to the new law

MADISON, Wis.— As a result of the American Rescue Plan that became law this month, Badger State residents will pay nearly $600 less for health insurance, according to a new report released today by Opportunity Wisconsin. The report also finds that nearly 52,000 uninsured residents are now eligible for tax credits when purchasing insurance. The full report can be viewed here and is posted below.   

“This report shows how the American Rescue Plan is paying immediate dividends for Wisconsinites—by reducing premiums and providing significant tax credits to help residents get access to care,” said Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director. “COVID-19 has exacerbated disparities in healthcare coverage and has raised longstanding concerns about costs. Thankfully, this new law alleviates that burden by lowering premiums and expanding access to healthcare for Wisconsinites.”

Yesterday, Opportunity Wisconsin and Protect Our Care Wisconsin sat down with two Badger State physicians on Facebook LIVE to discuss the progress being made in the fight against the pandemic and how the American Rescue Plan is making healthcare more affordable and accessible. 

Dr. Julia Kyle, a pediatric and primary care physician at Confluence Healthcare in Eau Claire, talked about the healthcare savings many of her patients will see thanks to the American Rescue Plan: “It’s a make or break. That may be a month’s rent payment. That’s food for a couple of months. For a diabetic, that’s a couple months of insulin.”  

Report: How the American Rescue Plan 

Lowers Healthcare Costs in the Badger State

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated disparities in healthcare coverage and has raised longstanding concerns about costs. The American Rescue Plan helps alleviate that burden by lowering premiums and expanding access to healthcare for Wisconsinites. 

Lower Marketplace Premiums

Nobody should go without healthcare, especially during a global pandemic. That is why, starting April 1st, the American Rescue Plan builds on the success of the Affordable Care Act by expanding access to tax credits for the uninsured and reducing costs for those who already have healthcare. The law also provides subsidies to cover 100 percent of the cost of COBRA coverage for those who are unemployed but want to stay on their employer provided health insurance.

Impact on Wisconsin

• The average premium on a Benchmark Silver plan on the ACA exchange in Wisconsin will drop by $580.

• 51,900 uninsured Wisconsinites are now eligible for tax credits on the ACA exchange, 31,600 of whom are now eligible for $0 dollar benchmark Marketplace coverage.

• ARP lowers marketplace premiums in Wisconsin for those 400 percent above the poverty line, which is split up here based on age group:

Medicaid Expansion

Wisconsin has already expanded Medicaid coverage to all residents below the poverty line. However, Wisconsin has not taken advantage of the federal funding match by expanding Medicaid under the ACA, which requires states to cover people up to 133% of the poverty level. This has created budgetary and coverage issues for the state. The American Rescue Plan offers states like Wisconsin a 95 percent funding match if they agree to fully expand Medicaid under the ACA. This is a 5 percent increase over the funding match that has been available to states since the ACA was passed. As a result, expanding Medicaid would reduce premiums, expand coverage, and save the state money. 

Impact on Wisconsin

• Even with the limited coverage gap due to BadgerCare, Medicaid expansion would reduce the number of uninsured Wisconsinites by 16 percent and expand coverage to 120,000 people.

• The state is foregoing $1.1 billion in federal funding every year by refusing to expand Medicaid. 

• Medicaid expansion would reduce premiums for Wisconsinites with private insurance by moving less healthy individuals over to Medicaid plans.

• Adult enrollment in Wisconsin Medicaid grew by nearly 23,000 people in the spring of 2020, due to the spread of COVID-19 and the job losses that followed

• As of May 2020, there were 175,893 non-disabled adults without minor children who had coverage under Wisconsin Medicaid.

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WATCH: American Rescue Plan Provides “Make or Break” Relief for Wisconsinites

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Opportunity Wisconsin and Protect Our Care Wisconsin hear from doctors on new law’s impact on affordability and accessibility

MADISON, Wis.— As millions more Wisconsinites become eligible for the COVID vaccine, the same week Americans celebrated the 11th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, Opportunity Wisconsin and Protect Our Care Wisconsin sat down with two Badger State physicians on Facebook LIVE to discuss the progress being made in the fight against the pandemic and how the American Rescue Plan is making healthcare more affordable and accessible. 

Dr. Julia Kyle, a pediatric and primary care physician at Confluence Healthcare in Eau Claire, talked about the healthcare savings many of her patients will see thanks to the American Rescue Plan: “It’s a make or break. That may be a month’s rent payment. That’s food for a couple of months. For a diabetic, that’s a couple months of insulin.”  

Wisconsinites earning up to 150% of the federal poverty level can now access health care coverage with $0 premiums. Wisconsin workers on unemployment insurance at any point in 2021 will also have access to care for $0. Many other families will see their monthly insurance premium payments drop due to a new 8.5% cap on premium prices. For example, a 60-year-old couple with a household income of $75,000 could save $1,389 in monthly premiums.

Dr. Rachel Hughes, a Madison area emergency physician and Opportunity Wisconsin steering committee member, questioned how Senator Ron Johnson could claim to be focused on our economy while voting against the American Rescue Plan, “I don’t think anyone who’s opposed to this legislation could potentially be for the economy and the real economic situation Wisconsinites are facing right now...When we’re all suffering and we’re all dealing with this horrible healthcare emergency, it’s a very important time to look at the impact of healthcare on our economy.”     

In 2017, Senator Johnson helped lead an effort in the Senate to strip healthcare coverage away from Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions which could now include people who survived the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this month, Senator Johnson voted against the American Rescue Plan which reduces healthcare costs. 

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ACA Open Enrollment Extension to August 15 Means More Wisconsinites to Get Covered

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Biden administration announcement comes as Wisconsinites benefit from American Rescue Plan’s health care financial assistance

MADISON, Wis.— Opportunity Wisconsin released the following statement after President Biden yesterday announced the Affordable Care Act special enrollment period would be extended from May 15 to August 15.   

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director

“This extension is huge news for Wisconsinites who need access to quality, affordable health care, especially as we’re still in a pandemic. The Affordable Care Act and the American Rescue Plan are now working hand-in-hand to ensure folks in Wisconsin get and stay covered. This enrollment extension, coupled with the critical financial assistance from the American Rescue Plan, will save Wisconsinites money and keep them healthy.”

Yesterday, Opportunity Wisconsin marked the 11th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act by highlighting how the recently-passed American Rescue Plan builds on the ACA’s success and makes historic healthcare investments to reduce health care costs for Wisconsin workers and families. Wisconsinites earning up to 150% of the federal poverty level can now access health care coverage with $0 premiums. Wisconsin workers on unemployment insurance at any point in 2021 will also have access to care for $0. Many other families will see their monthly insurance premium payments drop due to a new 8.5% cap on premium prices. These changes make healthcare more affordable and provide relief families navigating the uncertainty of the pandemic.

On Equal Pay Day, Opportunity Wisconsin Calls on Congress to Pass Protections for Working Wisconsin Women

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Wisconsin women, disproportionately impacted by COVID, are paid just 81% of men’s earnings

MADISON, Wis.— Opportunity Wisconsin released the following statement on Equal Pay Day today, which marks the day when women will have earned the same amount that white men earned at the end of 2020. Wisconsin women are, on average, paid 81 cents to every dollar their white male counterparts make. What’s more, the pandemic has disproportionately impacted women, dealing a double blow to working women across Wisconsin.   

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director

“The women of Wisconsin have not escaped the harsh realities of the pandemic. Whether it’s serving on the frontlines in an essential job or lack of access to quality childcare, COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted women across the Badger State. To make matters worse, the gender wage gap remains a stubborn barrier for too many.  And while the wage gap impacts all women, it’s felt most acutely for women of color. We’re calling on Congress to prioritize policies that combat unfair pay practices and disparities in order to help Wisconsin women receive the pay they deserve .”   

Wisconsin Gender Pay Gap by Congressional District

COVID-19’s Impact on Working Wisconsin Women

• At the beginning of April 2020, the unemployment rate for women in Wisconsin skyrocketed from 2.6 percent to 18.2 percent, while men only saw an increase to 9.0 percent. 

• Now, approximately 50 percent of the unemployed workers in Wisconsin are women. 

• According to a Census survey, nearly 40 percent of Wisconsin women have experienced a loss of employment income since last March.

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ACA + ARP = BFD for Wisconsin Workers and Families

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

American Rescue Plan makes historic investment in healthcare across the Badger State, building on the Affordable Care Act  

MADISON, Wis.— As we mark the 11th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, Opportunity Wisconsin today released the following statement highlighting how the recently-passed American Rescue Plan builds on the ACA’s success and makes historic healthcare investments to reduce health care costs for Wisconsin workers and families. 

Dr. Rachel Hughes, Wisconsin emergency physician and Opportunity Wisconsin steering committee member:

“Yesterday we saw over 2 million more Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and today we celebrate the law that has likely saved many of their lives. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, these Wisconsinites cannot be denied coverage or be charged more for their condition, which for many now includes COVID-19.  

“For years I watched Senator Ron Johnson try to repeal the ACA and strip away these protections. Not only were his efforts unsuccessful, but the American Rescue Plan now builds upon the success of the ACA by improving affordability and expanding access to coverage. During this time when so many Wisconsinites have fallen ill or have lost their jobs, it’s a shame Senator Johnson fought tooth-and-nail against these critical investments.”  

In 2017, Senator Johnson helped lead an effort in the Senate to strip healthcare coverage away from Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions which could now include people who survived the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this month, Senator Johnon voted against the American Rescue Plan which reduces healthcare costs. For example, a 60-year-old couple with a household income of $75,000 could save $1,389 in monthly premiums.

More “Shots In Arms” As The American Rescue Plan Gets To Work For Wisconsin

Monday, March 22, 2021

Starting today, expanded vaccine eligibility means more Wisconsinites have access to this lifesaving immunization  

MADISON, Wis.— Opportunity Wisconsin released the following statement as millions of Wisconsinites are today eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, one week earlier than anticipated. On Friday, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services also announced four additional organizations will be administering vaccines through the federal retail pharmacy program. The American Rescue Plan, signed into law by President Biden, includes $20 billion for vaccine distribution, including $7.5 billion to set up vaccination sites across the country.  

Meghan Roh, Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director:

“Today is a day of celebration for so many across the Badger State, thanks to modern medicine, our frontline healthcare workers, and state and federal elected officials who have made significant investments in the development and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. Over the past year, Wisconsin has seen an unbelievable amount of loss, but today there is hope. We’ve also seen Senator Ron Johnson constantly amplifying dangerous and debunked pandemic conspiracy theories, in addition to voting against the critical vaccine investments included in the American Rescue Plan. Unfortunately he’s not alone. Wisconsin Congressmen Bryan Steil, Scott Fitzgerald, Glenn Grothman, Tom Tiffany, and Mike Gallagher also voted against the urgent relief provided by this law. Wisconsin workers and families deserve elected representatives who will prioritize people over political conjecture.”

In a recent profile, the New York Times detailed Senator Johnson’s long history of promoting conspiracy theories stating, “In recent months, Mr. Johnson has sown doubts about President Biden’s victory, argued that the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol was not an armed insurrection, promoted discredited Covid-19 treatments, said he saw no need to get the coronavirus vaccine himself and claimed that the United States could have ended the pandemic a year ago with the development of a generic drug if the government had wanted that to happen.” 

Last week, Opportunity Wisconsin sat down with Senator Tammy Baldwin and Wisconsin parents to discuss the historic impact the American Rescue Plan will have on children and families across the state.