MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — Proposed legislation would require Wisconsin Medicaid recipients verify eligibility twice a year.
The bill’s author, Republican Representative William Penterman of Columbus, claims that will help to “streamline the process” of allocating Medicaid services.
“And it makes sure that we’re truly helping the most vulnerable individuals and really restore the integrity of the program. Those are the goals,” Penteman said.
Tamara Jackson, legislative policy representative for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities, said state Medicaid staff rigorously monitors recipients’ eligibility.
“With all of that work, Wisconsin can actually say we have an almost zero error rate in terms of eligibility,” Jackson said.
The current federal standard to review Medicaid eligibility is once a year. Penterman’s bill would cut eligibility for six months for those who don’t report a change, such as higher income, that would make them ineligible.