Former CMS director, physician warn of 'catastrophic impacts' if ACA funding is withheld

MADISON (WKOW) -- Former Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Director Chiquita Brooks-LaSure and emergency medicine physician Chris Ford warned Tuesday that Wisconsin and the rest of the United States could face severe consequences if Republicans refuse to continue funding the Affordable Care Act.

"People across our country deserve a health care system that is both affordable and accessible, rather than a health care system that forces them to choose between coverage or affording groceries," Brooks-LaSure said during a press call.

Nearly 90% of the 313,579 Wisconsinites enrolled in ACA coverage could see premium increases when open enrollment begins in November .

Brooks-LaSure said states that have not expanded Medicaid, such as Wisconsin, are particularly vulnerable because hospi