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AB 1224

Relating to: establishing a publicly financed health care plan for residents of this state, creating the office of the ombudsman for patient advocacy, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Clancy and 2 co-sponsors

The bill would establish a state-funded health care plan for Wisconsin residents and create an Office of the Ombudsman for Patient Advocacy to aid navigation and disputes.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 1224

Summary of Wisconsin Assembly Bill 1224 (AB 1224)

Overview

  • Title: Relating to establishing a publicly financed health care plan for residents of this state, creating the office of the ombudsman for patient advocacy, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation.
  • Session/Jurisdiction: Wisconsin, 2025
  • Status: Introduced 2026-03-19; referred to the Health, Aging and Long-Term Care committee. Action history shows a note “Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1” on 2026-03-23, indicating the bill did not advance in that session path.
  • Sponsors: Primary bill sponsors include Representatives Clancy, Madison, and Phelps; co-sponsors listed as Ryan Clancy, Christian Phelps, and Darrin Madison.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill proposes two core reforms:
    1. Establishment of a publicly financed health care plan for Wisconsin residents.
    2. Creation of the Office of the Ombudsman for Patient Advocacy to assist individuals navigating the health care system.
  • It also authorizes rule-making authority and includes an appropriation to support the new programs.

Key Provisions (What the Bill Would Do)

  1. Publicly Financed Health Care Plan

    • Establishes a state-funded health care program intended to provide coverage for Wisconsin residents.
    • The plan would likely operate as an alternative to private insurance coverage, aimed at ensuring universal or near-universal access to essential health services.
    • The bill would specify eligibility, covered services, and funding mechanisms, though exact program design details (e.g., administration, benefits package, cost-sharing, and payer mix) would be clarified in accompanying statutory language and administrative rules.

  2. Office of the Ombudsman for Patient Advocacy

    • Creates an independent office to support patients in understanding rights, navigating care options, and resolving disputes with providers or payers.
    • The ombudsman would serve as an advocate for patients, offering information, assistance, and referrals as needed.

  3. Rule-Making Authority

    • Grants the appropriate health authority (likely a department or board) authority to promulgate rules necessary to implement and operate the new health care plan and the ombudsman office.
    • This provision enables the executive branch to establish procedures, enrollment processes, complaint handling, and other governance mechanisms.

  4. Appropriation

    • Includes a funding allocation to support the establishment and operation of the publicly financed health care plan and the ombudsman office.
    • The appropriation would cover startup costs, ongoing administrative expenses, and potential program administration oversights.

Affected Parties

  • Wisconsin Residents: Individuals eligible for and enrolled in the new publicly financed health care plan.
  • Healthcare Providers and Institutions: Hospitals, clinics, physicians, and other providers who participate in delivering services under the new plan; may be subject to plan-specific billing and reimbursement rules.
  • Payers and Insurers: Potential transition considerations for private insurers and the state’s health care financing landscape as public coverage expands.
  • Office of the Ombudsman for Patient Advocacy: An additional state entity responsible for patient assistance, complaints, and advocacy.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: AB 1224 was introduced on 2026-03-19 and referred to the Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care for consideration.
  • Potential Legislative Path: As with most Wisconsin bills, passage would require committee deliberation, potential amendments, floor votes in both chambers (Assembly and Senate), and signing by the Governor or a veto-proof override, depending on the legislative process.
  • Current Status Note: An action history entry on 2026-03-23 indicates the bill did not pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1, suggesting it did not win final passage in that session path.

Observations and Considerations

  • The bill envisions a substantial expansion of state-directed health care financing and patient advocacy, which would require careful analysis of funding sustainability, administrative capacity, and impact on access to care, provider reimbursement, and overall health system costs.
  • Details about eligibility, benefits, cost-sharing, eligibility verification, and administrative governance are critical to assess long-term feasibility and fiscal impact; these are typically fleshed out in the bill’s full text and any fiscal notes or amendments.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize fiscal implications, potential eligibility rules, or to compare with similar public option proposals in other states.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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