Walker seeks federal waiver for reinsurance in Wisconsin
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Gov. Scott Walker's administration has filed a request with the federal government seeking a waiver that would allow Wisconsin to offer a $200 million reinsurance program.
The program is designed to lower premiums and attract more providers to the private marketplace.
Walker told reporters Wednesday that if the program is in effect next year premiums will go down 5 percent. That is a dramatic shift after premiums increased 44 percent this year as enrollment dropped and fewer providers offered coverage.
Walker says he is confident President Donald Trump's administration would grant the waiver later this summer.
Under the reinsurance program, the government would provide money to health insurance providers to pay about 50 percent of medical claims costing between $50,000 and $200,000.