WSHA is pleased to introduce our recently formed Legislative Committee, co-chaired by Mary Bahr-Schwenke (SLP) and Rachel Lee (Audiology). This committee plays a critical role in reviewing proposed legislation, evaluating potential impacts, and ensuring that legislative efforts align with WSHA’s mission.

On the legislative front, the state budget has officially been signed. Included in the final budget is a bipartisan agreement that increases special education reimbursement for public schools. Currently, public schools are reimbursed approximately 32% of special education costs. Under the new budget, reimbursement will increase to 45%. While this is still short of the reimbursement rate provided to private schools (approximately 90%), it is an improvement. The budget deal also ensures ongoing critical financial investment in the Medicaid program which supports provider reimbursements for acute, primary and long-term care programs and services. The deal ensures benefits and eligibility are maintained and providers maintain critical reimbursement levels. These are big wins for our members and the people we care for on a daily basis

In addition to budget-related successes, WSHA continues to partner with WOTA and WPTA to advocate for reforms in prior authorization and utilization review processes. Legislation will soon be introduced, and we look forward to working in partnership with WOTA and WPTA to improve the prior authorization environment for our members and our patients.

We also want to bring to your attention legislation recently signed into law to provide funding for hearing protection devices to state law enforcement, local law enforcement agencies, and fire protection agencies. The legislation was supported by several public safety organizations and will assist local units of government with costs associated with acquiring active hearing protection devices. Our legislative committee reviewed the bill thoroughly and kept vigilant as the bill moved through the channels of our state government to ensure this measure protects the audiologist scope of practice and enhances the hearing healthcare of Wisconsin residents.