Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB176

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/15/25
• Refer: 4/15/25
• Report Pass: 6/6/25
• Refer: 6/6/25
• Refer: 6/20/25

Caption

Financial eligibility for the Alzheimer’s family and caregiver support program. (FE)

Impact

By eliminating the financial eligibility requirement, AB176 seeks to broaden access to the Alzheimer's family and caregiver support program. Proponents argue that this change is necessary to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their income, can receive the support they need when dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or related conditions. This could lead to improved care options for families and caregivers who may otherwise struggle to afford necessary services.

Summary

Assembly Bill 176 aims to amend current statutes regarding the financial eligibility for the Alzheimer's family and caregiver support program in Wisconsin. Under existing regulations, eligibility is determined primarily by a financial threshold, which requires that the combined income of the person with irreversible dementia and their spouse not exceed $48,000 annually. The bill seeks to repeal this financial eligibility requirement, thereby removing income restrictions that currently govern access to essential support services and goods related to Alzheimer’s care.

Contention

However, the bill does raise some points of contention among various stakeholders. Critics may express concerns regarding the fiscal implications of repealing the financial eligibility requirement. There are fears that an increase in demand for services could strain state resources unless additional funding measures are put in place. Thus, while the intent of the bill is to enhance support for families affected by Alzheimer's, its implementation may encounter scrutiny over potential budgetary impacts and the overall sustainability of the program's funding.