Waukesha Times

Wisconsin State Representative Scott Fitzgerald has called for a revision of the "unfair funding structure" under the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. He said states like Wisconsin, that did not fully expand Medicaid, to contribute to funding the program for other states.

"For too long, taxpayers in Wisconsin and other states that made a conservative choice to not fully expand Medicaid under Obamacare have been forced to subsidize a program they do not use," said U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wi). "It's time to address this unfair funding structure."

According to a press release, Fitzgerald co-introduced the Ending Medicaid Discrimination Against the Most Vulnerable Act. This proposed legislation aims to alter Medicaid funding rules by phasing out the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for able-bodied adults. It also seeks to lower Medicaid expansion eligibility from 138% to 100% of the federal poverty level and end the additional 5-percentage-point FMAP bonus for late expansion states.

"We must also address waste, fraud, and abuse within the program and ensure its long-term sustainability for those who need it most," Fitzgerald said in a press release.

The bill specifically addresses Medicaid coverage in states like Wisconsin that utilize BadgerCare Plus for individuals below 100% of the federal poverty level. It highlights disparities in FMAP between able-bodied adults and traditional Medicaid groups, where states contribute less for able-bodied adults, impacting overall funding distribution.

Chip Roy expressed concerns about Obamacare's Medicaid expansion. He said it perpetuates a situation where states receive significantly more federal funds for able-bodied adults compared to traditional Medicaid populations such as pregnant women, children, disabled individuals, and the elderly.

Fitzgerald represents Wisconsin’s Fifth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. His political career includes serving in the Wisconsin State Senate from 1995 to 2021 as both Majority Leader and Minority Leader. He is an alumnus of Hustisford High School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Additionally, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 27 years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.