Gov. Walker Discusses Health Care Stability Plan, Opioid Crisis at Wisconsin Medical Society’s Doctor Day 2018

MADISON, Wisconsin, Jan. 30 -- Gov. Scott Walker, R-Wisconsin, issued the following news release:

Governor Scott Walker attended the Wisconsin Medical Society's Doctor Day 2018 in Madison today to highlight his Health Care Stability Plan to lower individual health care premium costs, provide seniors with greater health care stability, and protect those with preexisting conditions. Governor Walker also discussed recent initiatives to combat the opioid crisis in Wisconsin.

"With Washington D.C. failing to act to fix Obamacare, Wisconsin must lead as it has before, on ensuring quality health care and stability for its citizens. Our Health Care Stability Plan is a market-driven solution that will Wisconsinite's on the individual marketplace, seniors and those with preexisting conditions," said Governor Walker. "The current state of Obamacare is unsustainable and unacceptable."

The Health Care Stability Plan is part of Governor Walker's Ambitious Agenda for 2018. The plan consists of three parts: utilizing a State Innovation Waiver under the Obamacare to stabilize rising individual premium costs, signing legislation that prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage to an individual with preexisting conditions, and requesting a permanent waiver for the state's SeniorCare program.

"We are also committed to ending the opioid crisis in Wisconsin," said Governor Walker. "We signed more than 28 pieces of legislation into law and with the Task Force on Opioid Abuse working to address this issue we are leading the nation in addressing this public health emergency. But, there is still more work to be done."

On January 19, Governor Walker signed two executive orders acting against the opioid crisis, directing multiple state agencies to adopt the Task Force on Opioid Abuse co-chairs' recommendations to improve awareness and prevention practices regarding opioids. The executive orders also provide increased access to treatment and addiction care providers throughout the state.

* Executive Order #273: Relating to the implementation of the recommendations of the co-chairs of the Governor's Task Force on Opioid Crisis.

* Executive Order #274: Relating to the creation of the Commission on Substance Abuse Treatment Delivery

With more than 12,600 members statewide, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Medical Society is a trusted health policy leader, providing members with vital information needed to navigate health care legislation and regulatory changes, and education and practice management resources to improve the health of the people of Wisconsin. Over 450 physicians and medical students from 20 different physician organizations are expected to participate in Doctor Day 2018.