MADISON – Democratic Sen. Kelda Roys has unveiled her comprehensive "KeldaCare" health care platform as part of her gubernatorial campaign, proposing a significant overhaul of how Wisconsinites access medical services. The plan centers on enabling all residents to purchase coverage through the robust health plan currently available to state employees and retirees, alongside strategic investments in the state's health care workforce and increased accountability for insurance providers and prescription drug companies.
Expanding Health Coverage Through "KeldaCare"
The cornerstone of the "KeldaCare" initiative is a proposal that would open the state's existing health insurance program to every Wisconsin resident. This public buy-in option is designed to broaden access and potentially lower costs by expanding the overall coverage pool, aiming to mitigate under- and uncompensated care without initially requiring state subsidies for premiums.
Speaking at the announcement event for her "KeldaCare" proposal, Senator Roys criticized the limitations imposed by the current political landscape. "One of the results of having an uncompetitive, gerrymandered Legislature is that we end up shrinking our imaginations, minimizing our idea of what is possible," Roys stated. She emphasized the urgency for assertive measures: "Wisconsinites need bold action that protects us from the harms and destructive action of Donald Trump and Tom Tiffany, and now that we have new maps, we can actually think bigger about what it looks like to have health security and health freedom here in Wisconsin."
Roys highlighted her extensive policy experience as a state lawmaker, distinguishing her plan from other proposals that focus solely on Medicaid expansion or a traditional public option. While Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez presented her own framework earlier this month, which included a public option and a "health care bill of rights," Roys asserts her plan is distinct in allowing individuals, businesses, and nonprofits to directly access the state employee and retiree coverage. Roys also underscored the broader implications of such freedom: "It's not just about health security. It's also about freedom, job freedom. And what does it mean for somebody if they don't have to be stuck to a job to get good health insurance, if they were able to retire at 62 instead of waiting till they were eligible for Medicare, or if they were able to take time off to go back to school or start a small business and not lose their health insurance."
Bolstering Healthcare Professionals and Reducing Drug Costs
Beyond expanding direct access, the "KeldaCare" platform outlines several initiatives aimed at supporting healthcare professionals and curbing pharmaceutical expenses. The plan seeks to expand loan forgiveness and scholarship opportunities for healthcare providers, alongside restoring collective bargaining rights for these essential workers. It also proposes to prohibit the use of credit scores and similar data in salary determinations for those employed through gig nursing apps.
On the pharmaceutical front, Roys has pledged that on her first day in office, she would issue an executive order to join neighboring states in a collaborative effort to enhance their prescription drug purchasing power. This strategy is complemented by additional pharmaceutical policies, including capping co-pays for specific medications and mandating insurance coverage for over-the-counter contraception.
Comprehensive Health Initiatives and the Gubernatorial Primary
The "KeldaCare" proposal encompasses a range of other health-focused legislative priorities that Senator Roys has championed during her tenure. These include requiring insurance coverage for infertility treatment, strengthening access to contraception, and ensuring access to abortion. Furthermore, the plan aims to broaden access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, tackle predatory "surprise billing" practices, and increase regulatory scrutiny on insurance companies.
While certain components of Roys' health policy could be enacted via executive orders, a significant portion would necessitate legislative cooperation. This fall presents a unique opportunity for Wisconsin Democrats, as they could potentially secure a majority in at least one chamber of the Legislature for the first time in over a decade. Achieving this would require winning two additional seats in the Senate or five in the Assembly. Roys is one of seven prominent Democratic contenders vying for the gubernatorial nomination. She will compete against Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, former Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary Missy Hughes, and state Rep. Francesca Hong in the Aug. 11 primary. The victorious candidate will then proceed to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in the general election on Nov. 3.
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