On Aug. 1, 2024, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced he is directing the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) to invest more than $250 million in funding already designated for home and community-based services (HCBS) to create and fund a minimum fee schedule, effectively raising wages for direct care workers and providers serving older adults and individuals with disabilities.
This support for long-term care services and the caregiving workforce in Wisconsin is a necessary lifeline that is welcomed, according to a coalition of Northeastern Wisconsin providers.
Beginning earlier this year, a group of local providers, including those from Aspiro, Community Alternatives, Curative Connections, CP, Options for Independent Living, Inc., Innovative Services, Inc., and others joined together to help communicate with legislators, share their funding challenges, and welcome support. The local coalition also met with DHS to provide a regional perspective to Wisconsin’s workforce challenges and funding issues for the state’s most vulnerable citizens.
Today’s news is a welcomed relief to many. “This is incredible news as we face difficult decisions because of funding challenges. This action now helps us best serve those in our care while being able to better attract and retain staff,” said Michael Schwartz, CEO of Innovative Services, Inc. “It is our hope that our legislative leaders will continue to see our longer-term funding needs as they look to future budgets in support of seniors and people with disabilities. For now, we couldn’t be happier for this important life-line funding,” he said. “It is definitely needed and appreciated.”
To offer more understanding on the issue and to provide Northeastern Wisconsin provider comments as it relates to this funding, representatives will be available at Innovative Services, Inc. located at 2321 San Louis Place, Green Bay on Aug. 2, 2024, at 9 a.m. The media and public are welcome.
Today’s announcement is a very important step in a multi-phased effort to ensure Wisconsin’s seniors and those with disabilities continue to receive the care they deserve, according to this coalition of leaders. They state that more work will continue as they continue to educate and inform legislators and the public on the importance of including funding in future legislative budgets for these individuals and their caregivers.
To learn more about today’s funding announcement, visit here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/3abfd95.
