This week, Gov. Tony Evers announced the members appointed to his Task Force on Caregiving. The governor created the task force by executive order in February. The task force is charged with examining strategies to develop the direct care workforce, reduce health care costs for care givers, and increase access and quality of care. The first task force meeting will be held September 25.
Specifically, the executive order calls for
- Analyzing strategies to develop a strong direct care workforce.
- Supporting family caregivers.
- Assessing how to make care more affordable for the workforce, including through Medicaid buy-in plans and other health insurance plans.
- Establishing a registry of home care providers.
- Developing caregiving recruitment and retention programs.
- Overall looking for ways to strengthen the direct care workforce and increase access to care in the state.
The executive order directs the Department of Health Services to staff the task force, with technical assistance from the Department of Workforce Development. Members appointed to the task force include:
- Sen. Kathy Bernier (R-Chippewa Falls)
- Sen. Patty Schachtner (D-Somerset)
- Rep. Chuck Wichgers (R-Muskego)
- Rep. Deb Kolste (D-Janesville)
- Direct care organizations and employers from across the state
- Disability rights advocates
- Volunteer and family caregivers
- Individuals who receive caregiving services