Wisconsin healthcare issues face scrutiny ahead of elections

As elections approach in Wisconsin, candidates for governor, attorney general, and the Legislature face critical questions regarding the state's healthcare landscape.

One primary concern is declining immunization rates. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recently reported 166 measles cases, noting that 99% of those affected were unvaccinated. Current data shows that 84.8% of Wisconsin's kindergartners received both recommended doses for the 2023-24 school year, a figure that falls below the 95% community vaccination rate recommended by the CDC to prevent outbreaks.

Additionally, the state is grappling with a healthcare worker shortage, particularly in rural areas. While a recent law allowing advanced practice nurses to expand their roles went into effect on September 1, officials warn of a looming crisis. The Wisconsin Hospital Association has noted that as the population ages, healthcare demand is projected to rise by 10% by 2040, even as the working-age population shrinks and older physicians retire.