Wisconsin Governor Candidates Clash Over BadgerCare, Health Cost Plans
Wisconsin Watch reports that gubernatorial candidates Tom Tiffany (R) and David Crowley (D) have released competing plans to address rising health care costs, a top concern among Wisconsin voters. Crowley proposes opening BadgerCare enrollment to any household, with income-based premiums, targeted subsidies for small businesses and gig workers, and expanded coverage for dental, vision and mental health. Tiffany's plan focuses on price transparency requirements for hospitals and insurers, direct-pay subscription models for primary care, and increased oversight of pharmacy benefit managers. The piece also notes that federal Medicaid work requirements under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are set to take effect in 2027 and will apply to childless adult BadgerCare members.