In the News
Wheeler Report, February 9, 2017:
Press release from the Wisconsin Long-term Care Coalition:
The Hill, February 2, 2017:
"Medicaid block grants — bigger threat to US healthcare than ACA repeal"
-by By Charlotte Haberaecker, Opinion Contributor
NPR, January 23, 2017:
"Republican Plan to Replace Obamacare Would Turn Medicaid Over to States"
Urban Milwaukee Op-Ed By Barbara Beckert, Disability Rights Wisconsin, January 9, 2017:
Wheeler Report, July 1, 2016:
Press release from the Wisconsin Long-term Care Coalition:
"Long Term Care Stakeholders Celebrate Family Care and IRIS Expansion to Rock County "
GazetteXtra, Walworth County, WI, June 16, 2016:
"Cost-saving Medicaid changes hit election-year roadblock"
-Steven Walters
The Wheeler Report, Madison, WI, June 14, 2016:
Press Release from The Wisconsin Long-term Care Coalition:
"Long-Term Care Stakeholders Looking Ahead to 2017-2019 Budget"
Memo from the Long-Term Care Coalition:
Channel 3000.com, Madison, WI June 12, 2016:
Opinion: "State Department of Health Services listened, heard, did the right thing"
The Capital Times, Madison, WI, June 10, 2016:
"Disability advocates praise withdrawal of changes to Wisconsin long-term care programs"
-Jessie Opien
WKOW.com, Madison, WI, June 10, 2016:
"State Scraps Long-term Care Changes"
Centre Daily Times, June 10, 2016:
"Wisconsin DHS withdraws long term care proposal"
The Wheeler Report, Madison, WI, June 10, 2016:
Press Release from Save IRIS:
The Wheeler Report, Madison, WI, June 10, 2016:
Press Release from Wisconsin BPDD:
The Wheeler Report, Madison, WI, June 10, 2016:
Press Release from Disability Rights Wisconsin:
"Disability Rights Wisconsin Welcomes News that Plans for Family Care/IRIS Reforms are Withdrawn"
The Wheeler Report, Madison, WI, June 10, 2016:
Letter from Secretary Kitty Rhoades to JFC
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, WI, June 10, 2016:
"Scott Walker's administration drops plan to shift Family Care to for-profit insurers"
-Jason Stein and Guy Boulton
The Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, WI, June 10, 2016:
"Health Services Department withdraws request for changes to state Medicaid programs"
-Haley Hansen
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, WI, June 5, 2016:
"Lawmakers: Delays likely on long-term care changes"
-Patrick Marley
Isthmus, Madison, WI, June 2, 2016:
Caregiver crisis: Aging and disabled people suffer from shortage in personal care workers
-Allison Geyer
Wisconsin Public Radio, Madison, WI, June 3, 2016
The Wheeler Report, Madison, WI, June 1, 2016:
Letter from the Democratic Members of the Joint Finance Committee to Senator Darling & Rep. Nygren
The Wheeler Report, Madison, WI May 28, 2016:
"Plan to overhaul long-term care programs raises concerns"
The Wheeler Report, Madison, WI , May 27, 2016:
The Wheeler Report, Madison, WI, May 27, 2016:
"Letter from Disability Rights Wisconsin to the Wisconsin State Legislature"
The Wheeler Report, Madison, WI, May 26, 2016:
Letter from the Autism Society to JFC
The Wheeler Report, Madison, WI, May 26, 2016:
Press Release from the Wisconsin Long-term Care Coalition:
"Long Term Care Coalition Calls for Changing the Focus of Long Term Care Redesign"
Memo from the Wisconsin Long-term Care Coalition to Wisconsin Legislature:
"Time for the Legislature to Change the Focus on Long-Term Care Redesign"
The Shepherd Express, Milwaukee, WI, May 24, 2016:
"Walker’s Family Care Overhaul Might Be Hitting a Snag"
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, WI, May 22, 2016:
Letter to Editor: Long-term Care Concerns
Letter from Tricia Thompson, Menomonee
The Wheeler Report, Madison, WI May 19, 2016:
The Wheeler Report, Madison, WI , May 17, 2016:
"Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network Aging Advocacy Day"
Channel 3000, Madison, WI, May 16, 2016:
"Editorial: New opportunity to get it right as state delays changes to long term care"
The Wheeler Report, Madison, WI, May 16, 2016:
Press Release from Save IRIS:
"Save IRIS asks Legislators to Follow the Facts, Not the Big Insurance Lobby"
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, WI, May 16, 2016:
"Family Care changes wouldn't take effect until 2018"
-By Jason Stein
The Cap Times, Madison, WI, May 13, 2016:
Letter to Editor: "Vi Hawkins and Bob Haase: If Family Care and IRIS aren't broken, don't fix them"
The Wheeler Report, Madison, WI, May 12, 2016:
Press Release from The Wisconsin Long-Term Care Coalition:
"DHS Projects No Long Term Care Cost Savings from Family Care/IRIS 2.0 "
Memo from The Wisconsin Long-Term Care Coalition:
Channel 3000, Madison, WI, May 8, 2016:
"Changes to Wisconsin's long-term care programs deserve care, caution"
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, WI, May 5, 2016:
"Disturbed by Family Care Proposal,"
-Opinion Letter by: Juli Bauer
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, WI, May 3, 2016:
"Take time on Family Care overhaul"
-Opinion/Editorial
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, WI, May 3, 2016:
Opinion, Letter by: Charles and Priscilla Camilli
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, WI, May 3, 2016:
Opinion, Letter by: Patrick Linnane
Superior Telegram, Superior, WI, May 3, 2016:
"When it comes to long-term care, let’s take time to get things right"
-Lynn Breedlove and Tom Frazier
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Madison, WI, April 28, 2016:
"State could shift care of elderly, disabled to for-profit companies"
-By Jason Stein and Patrick Marley of the Journal Sentinel
WisconsinHealthNews.com, April 22, 2016:
"Family Care/IRIS Letter to JFC"
Post-Crescent, Appleton/Fox Cities, April 22, 2016:
"Long-term Care Proposal Lacks Needed Details"
-Opinion, by: Lynn Breedlove and Tom Frazier
Wisconsin Health News, April 4, 2016:
"DHS revises, submits Family Care and IRIS 2.0 concept paper"
Channel 3000.com, Madison, WI, March 8, 2016:
"Public weighs in on Family Care changes"
-Dannika Lewis
Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, WI, March 8, 2016:
"Disabled, elderly testify about Family Care, IRIS changes"
-David Wahlberg
WPR, Eau Claire, WI March 7, 2016:
-Shamane Mills
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI, March 4, 2016:
"Save IRIS Responds to the Family Care/IRIS 2.0 Concept Paper"
-Contact Person: Julie Burish
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI, March 2, 2016:
"Disability Rights Wisconsin Reacts to Family Care 2.0 Concept Paper Released Today"
-Contact Person: Lisa Pugh
News Release from the Department of Health Services, Madison, WI, March 2, 2016:
"Family Care/IRIS 2.0: The Concept Paper, DHS unveils design for next generation of long-term care in Wisconsin"
-Contact Person: Jennifer Miller
News Release from the Department of Health Services, Madison, WI, February 25, 2016:
-Contact Person: Jennifer Miller
News Release from the Department of Health Services, Madison, WI, February 22, 2016:
"Family Care/IRIS 2.0: Benefits and Self-Direction, Reform focused on maintaining, improving long-term care benefits now and for the future" -Contact Person: Julie Lund
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI, February 15, 2016:
"Long Term Care Coalition unveils Blueprint for long term care redesign" - Contacts: Lynn Breedlove and Tom Frazier
Yahoo Finance, February 9, 2016:
"Magellan Health to Expand Capabilities Related to Long-Term Services and Supports" -Media Contact: Colleen Flanagan Johnson
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: July 12, 2015:
"Governor Scott Walker Signs 2015-2017 State Budget, Lowers Property Taxes Again"- press release, Laurel Patrick- Contact Person
LaCrosse Tribune, LaCrosse, WI: July 10, 2015:
"Doyle urges Walker to reject IRIS, Family Care changes" -Tribune Staff
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, WI: July 9, 2015:
"Governor should use his veto pen on state budget" -Editorial
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: July 9, 2015:
"Save IRIS Asks Governor Walker for his Help "- Julie Burish and Jason Endres- Contact Persons
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: July 2, 2015:
"Save IRIS Requests Technical Fixes to Ensure Supports" -Julie Burish and Jason Endres- Contact Persons
WISN, Milwaukee, WI: June 20, 2015:
"Upfront with Mike Gousha: State Changes Home Care Plan"
Journal Sentinel All Politics Blog, Milwaukee, WI: June 9, 2015:
"Long-term care advocates march to protest state budget provision" -Andrew Hahn
WKOW, Madison, WI: June 9, 2015:
"Group marches on State Capitol to protest long-term care changes"
Wisconsin Public Radio, Madison, WI: June 9, 2015:
"Supporters Of Long-Term Care Programs Protest Changes At State Capitol" -Shamane Mills
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: June 8, 2015:
-Save IRIS, Julie Burish and Jason Endres-Contact Persons
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: June 4, 2015:
"Wisconsin Citizens Unite in a Final Effort to Save Long-term Care" -Save IRIS, Julie Burish and Jason Endres- Contact Persons
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 28, 2015:
"Save IRIS reminds their legislators that it is not too late to do the right thing" -Julie Burish and Jason Endres- Contact Persons
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 28, 2015:
"Survival Coalition Statement regarding JFC Family Care/IRIS Vote" - Survival Coalition, Maureen Ryan, Beth Sweeden and Kristin M. Kerschensteiner, Contact Persons
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 28, 2015:
"Joint Finance Vote Does Not Reflect WI Long-Term Care Participant Input"
- BPDD, Beth Sweeden-Contact Person
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 28, 2015:
"Statement applauding Joint Finance action on Family Care & preserving IRIS" -Alliance of Health Insurers
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 27, 2015:
- Julie Burish and Jason Endres, Contact Persons
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 27, 2015:
-Wisconsin Long-term Care Coalition, Lynn Breedlove and Tom Frazier-Contact Persons
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 27, 2015:
"Survival Coalition says that Joint Finance Republican motion does not heed disability community’s input"- Survival Coalition
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 27, 2015:
"JFC Republicans Protect Long Term Care Members Develop a Plan that Works for Patients and Taxpayers" -JFC Sen. Darling, Rep Nygren, Sen. Vukmir, and Rep Knudsen
Wheeler Report, Appleton, WI: May 27, 2015:
"Outagamie County Executive Nelson Statement on Long-term Care Proposal"
-Office of the County Executive, Larry Abitz-Contact Person
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 27, 2015:
-The Wisconsin Family Care Association- Michael Blumenfeld- Contact Person
Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 27, 2015:
"The Milwaukee County Aging & Disability Resource Center Governing Board Urges Removal of All Long-term Care Changes from the Budget" -Milwaukee County ADRC Governing Board, Sue Kelley-Contact Person
-Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 27, 2015:
"Aging Advocates Urge Removal of All Long-term Care Changes from the Budget" -The Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network, Janet Zander- Contact Person
-Wheeler Report, Appleton, WI: May 26, 2015:
"WisconSibs Supports Keeping Family Care/IRIS/ADRCs" -Harriet Redman- Contact Person
-Wheeler Report, Beaver Dam, WI: May 26, 2015:
-Marissa Burack, Mindy Russell, and Marie VandeBerg- Contact Persons
-Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 26, 2015:
"Disability Rights Wisconsin asks Finance Committee to Act on New Information to Remove Changes to Family Care, IRIS and Local ADRCs" DRW-Kit Kerschensteiner and Lisa Pugh Contact Persons
-Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 26, 2015:
"Autism Society of Wisconsin Supports Preserving the Existing Long-Term Care System"-Kirsten Cooper, Contact Person
-Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 26, 2015:
"Statement regarding IRIS" -People First Wisconsin. Jason Endres, Contact Person
-Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 26, 2015:
"WI BPDD Supports Fiscal Bureau option to preserve existing long-term care system" -Beth Sweeden, Contact Person
-Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 26, 2015:
"Survival Coalition Supports Fiscal Bureau option eliminating changes to long-term care." -Survival Coalition. Maureen Ryan, Beth Sweeden, and Kit Kerschensteiner, Contact Persons
-Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 26, 2015:
"Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin Supports Preservation of Existing Long-Term Care System" -Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin. Tari Raatz and Jeff Spitzer-Resnick
-Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 26, 2015:
"Save IRIS makes Final Plea to JFC to Pull Changes to Long-term Care from the Budget and to keep IRIS as a Separate Medicaid Waiver Program" -Save IRIS. Julie Burish and Jason Endres, Contact Persons
-Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 26, 2015:
"Memo to Members, Joint Finance Committee. Subject: Calls for the removal of all changes to Long-term Care from the state budget bill. Recommended Alternatives in Legislative Fiscal Bureau Papers #356, #357, #358" -Wisconsin Long-term Care Coalition. Lynn Breedlove and Tom Frazier, Contact Persons
-Wheeler Report, Madison WI: May 22, 2015:
"People First Wisconsin Hopes for the Right Vote on Family Care and IRIS" -Jason Endres, President of People First Wisconsin
-Wheeler Report, Madison WI: May 22, 2015:
"Letter to Senator Darling, Rep. Nygren and members of the Joint Finance Committee" -The Collaboration to Promote Self-Determination
-Wheeler Report, Madison, WI: May 22, 2015:
"Letter to Joint Finance Co-Chairs Darling, Nygren regarding long-term care" -"DSAW, Madison Area Down Syndrome Society, Wisconsin Upside Down
-Wheeler Report, Madison WI: May 20, 2015:
"State Long Term Care Programs Continue to Save Wisconsin Taxpayers Legislative Fiscal Bureau Shows $23 Million Reduction in this Biennium" -Wisconsin Long-term Care Coalition, Tom Frazier and Lynn Breedlove, Contact Persons
-Wheeler Report, Madison WI: May 19, 2015:
"Memo to Joint Finance Committee regarding the preservation of IRIS as a separate Medicaid waiver program" -Save IRIS, Julie Burish and Nancy Gapinski, Contact Persons
-Wheeler Report, Madison: May 18, 2015:
"Save IRIS to Deliver Petition with over 6000 Signatures to Legislators "- Press Release from Save IRIS
-Wheeler Report, Madison, May 15, 2015:
"Memo to Joint Finance re: concerns with announcement 'JFC Republicans Protect Long-term Care'"- Wisconsin Long-term Care Coalition, Tom Frazier and Lynn Breedlove- Contact Persons
-Wheeler Report, Madison, May 15, 2015:
"Disability Rights Wisconsin Encouraged by Changes to Long term Care Proposal" -DRW Press Release, Lisa Pugh and Kristin Kerschensteiner, Contact Persons
-Wheeler Report, Madison, May 15, 2015:
"Save IRIS responds to JFC Announcement about Long-term Care" -Save IRIS Press Release, Julie Burish and Meg Steimle, Contact Persons
-Wheeler Report, Neenah Press Conference, May 15, 2015:
"Local Small Businesses, County Leaders Discuss Serious Economic Impact and Job Loss Associated with Proposed Changes in State Budget"- Lisa Pugh Contact Person, Wisconsin Long Term Care Coalition
-Wisconsin Public Radio, May 15, 2015:
"JFC ditches Walker plan to overhaul long-term care programs."-Shawn Johnson and Patty Murray
-Wheeler Report, Madison, May 15, 2015:
"Survival Coalition Statement on JFC announcement on long term care changes. "- Press Release, Maureen Ryan, Beth Sweeden, and Kristin Kerschensteiner, Contact Persons
-Wheeler Report, Madison, May 14, 2015:
"AARP lauds decision to remove Family Care changes from budget, but cautions limitations."- Press Release, Jim Flaherty Contact Person
-Wheeler Report, Madison, May 14, 2015:
"JFC Republicans Protect Long-term Care" - Press Release from Senator Darling, Rep. Nygren, Senator Vukmir, and Rep. Knudson
-Daily Citizen, Beaver Dam, April 27,2015
"Born Helps Disabled Citizens" - Donna Auchue, The ARC of Dodge County and Jim Hoegemeier, The Arc- Wisconsin Disability Association
-Post-Crescent Media, Appleton and Fox Cities, April 16, 2015:
"Tom Nelson Sounds Off on Family Care"- Sarah Riley
-Hudson Star Observer, April 13, 2015:
"St. Croix County Board Votes to Oppose State Budget Proposals"- Judy Wiff
-Lacrosse Tribune, April 7, 2015:
"Opposition mounts to Walker plan to revamp Family Care" -Mike Tighe
-State Bar of Wisconsin, April 1, 2015:
"Elder and Disability Law: How the Proposed State Budget Changes Family Care" -Bruce A Tammi
-Wheeler Report, March 30, 2015:
- Lynn Breedlove and Tom Frazier, The Wisconsin Long-Term Care Coalition
-Wisconsin Radio News, March 23, 2015:
"Advocates for elderly, disabled testify at JFC Hearings" -Jackie Johnson
-Cudahy NOW, Cudahy, March 23, 2015:
-Kevin Fech
-The Green Bay Press Gazette, Green Bay, March 22, 2015:
"Don't cut from successful Family Care Program" -Press-Gazette Media Editorial Board
-The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, March 20, 2015:
"Big crowd on hand for all-day hearing on Scott Walker budget" -Erin Richards
-The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, March 19, 2015:
"Don't use budget to change long-term care" -The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Editorial Board
-Fox 11 News, Brillion, March 18, 2015:
"Citizens sound off on state budget"
-The Green Bay Press Gazette, Green Bay, March 18, 2015:
"Long-term care advocates speak out on budget" -Jen Zettel, Post-Crescent Media
-The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, March 17, 2015:
"Keep Wisconsin's Care at Home" - Editorial by Tom Frazier and Lynn Breedlove
-The Green Bay Press Gazette, Green Bay, March 17, 2015:
"Governor's Budget Hurts Senior Care, IRIS, Family Care" -Editorial by state Senator Tom Hansen
-Channel 3000.com, Madison, March 17, 2015:
"Disability advocates rally against Family Care changes in budget" -Jessica Arp
-WUWM Milwaukee Public Radio, Milwaukee, March 12, 2015:
"Budget's Impact on Long-term Care" -Mitch Teich interviews Julie Burish and Nancy Gapinski, Save IRIS
-Isthmus, Madison, March 11, 2015:
"Upheaval in store for 'very vulnerable people'"-Nathan J. Comp
-The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, March 6, 2015:
Gov. Walker proposes overhaul of Wisconsin's long-term care program" -Guy Boulton
-Hudson Star Observer, Hudson, March 6, 2015: "Governor's budget could change disability services locally" -Meg Heaton
-WEAU, Eau Claire, March 5, 2015: "Advocates say Walker's budget could harm programs for disabled"-Jessica Bringe
-The Wheeler Report, Madison, March 4, 2015: "After Joint Finance Hearing Disability and Aging Participants and other Stakeholders Are Still Left Asking: What’s the Plan for People with Disabilities and Older Adults?" -Survival Coalition
-The Wheeler Report, Madison, March 4, 2015: "People with disabilities and elderly Wisconsin residents remain very concerned about the elimination of key program" -Save IRIS
-Cudahy Now, Cudahy, March 4, 2015: "Wisconsin's Long-term Care Works"- Posted by Kevin Fech with permission
-Fox 11online.com, March 1, 2015: "Advocates: Governor Walker's Budget could hurt programs for disabled"-Associated Press
-Green Bay Progressive, Madison, February 23, 2015: "Elderly and Disabled Respond to Privatizing Family Care and IRIS" -Senator Kathleen Vinehout
-Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, February 23, 2015: "Lawmakers have yet to scratch surface on Scott Walker budget changes"-Jason Stein and Patrick Marley
-Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, February 23, 2015: "Reject long-term care changes" -Letter from Kevin Madson
-Post Crescent, Appleton/Fox Cities, February 21, 2015:
Silver Pen letter: “Don’t cut IRIS program. The cost-effective program gives freedom to the disabled and elderly.” -Mary Swifka
-The Cap Times, February 19, 2015:
“Disability advocates question changes to long-term care in Scott Walker's budget”- Jo Opoien
-Disability Rights Wisconsin, February 17, 2015:
"Governor Walker 2015-2017 Budget Proposal Summary Provisions Impacting People with Disabilities – 2/17/2015"
-Save IRIS, February 16, 2015:
“Statewide Group Forms to Restore the IRIS Program, Supports for Elderly and People with Disabilities, in the Budget”
-Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac Reporter, February 14, 2015:
"Cuts will significantly affect people with disabilities" - Stacy Ellingen
-The Dunn County News, February 11, 2015:
“Much more than just numbers on paper”- Tricia Thompson
-Wisconsin Public Radio, February 9, 2015:
“Wisconsin Board For People With Developmental Disabilities Is Concerned About Governor Walker's Budget” -Amanda Magnus
-Cudahy NOW blog, February 6, 2015:
“Governor's Proposed Budget-The Elimination of the IRIS Program” -KevinFech
-Disability Rights Wisconsin, February 4, 2015:
“Disability Rights Wisconsin Concerned about Impact of Budget Proposal Cites Major Changes to Family Care, IRIS, Personal Care; Lack of Special Education Investment”
-The Survival Coalition of Wisconsin Disability Organizations, February 4, 2015:
“Survival Coalition Identifies Concerns For People With Disabilities In Budget Proposal”
By Barbara Beckert, Disability Rights Wisconsin - Jan 9th, 2017