1410 WIZM

With barely any time to relax after President Barack Obama's re-election, Wisconsin health care providers now must confront looming Medicare cuts of $1.75 billion over the next decade. The issue was brought to light in La Crosse as County Board Chair Tara Johnson said these cuts will run deep locally, statewide and nationwide.

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In Wisconsin, Medicare provides health insurance for 950 thousand senior citizens. Medicaid provides care for over 1 million people and pays for more than two out of three nursing home residents are paid for by Medicaid. Johnson said funding for these programs is at risk in the lame duck budget session starting next Tuesday.