Proposed changes to Wisconsin's long-term care programs that had drawn bipartisan opposition from lawmakers, consumers and other advocates are being shelved.
State Department of Health Services Secretary Kitty Rhoades notified lawmakers on Thursday that the planned changes were being withdrawn. Rhoades says despite the move, she would continue to work toward improving the "quality, coordination and cost effectiveness of Medicaid services."
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The surprise announcement came after DHS in March notified lawmakers of its proposed changes to Family Care and the IRIS program, which stands for Include, Respect I Self-Direct.
The programs long-term care to more than 55,000 Wisconsin residents.
Tom Frazier, who leads a coalition opposed to the changes, calls the withdrawal a surprise but he expects a new proposal to come next year.
