Posted: 06.29.2011

A new report shows more people are joining a state program that provides health insurance for the seriously ill.

The Legislative Audit Bureau reviewed the financial status of the Wisconsin Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan Authority, which provides medical and prescription drug coverage for people with severe conditions who can't get commercial insurance.

The report found 18,965 people had enrolled in the plan as of the end of last year, up nearly 16 percent from December 2009. As of this past April, about 20,300 people were enrolled. Program administrators attribute the increase to rising awareness of the benefits.

The review found the program remains financially sound, although the number of claims of $50,000 or more is rising. Administrators have approved an array of rate increases in response.

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