Kaiser Health News released an in-depth report about states cutting Medicaid benefits. It details the change in total Medicaid spending and enrollment, and points out that, ironically, cuts to Medicaid will lead to higher costs because people won't get preventative care to avoid further health problems.

And when rates drop, the program loses healthcare providers who cannot work for the low rates the program is paying - in some states rates are at 1994 levels.

 FACTS 

  • 1 in 5 Wisconsin citizens receive Medicaid services

  • A majority of individuals who require long term care in Wisconsin rely on Medicaid to pay for the care they need