BadgerCare supporters rally in Milwaukee for health care reform

MILWAUKEE -- Protesters rallied on Tuesday, July 31st for health care reform in Wisconsin. They want Gov. Scott Walker to expand BadgerCare.

Citizen Action of Wisconsin wants Gov. Walker to accept federal funding to expand BadgerCare.

"We're very concerned that Governor Walker may refuse this money simply because he wants to be seen as against healthcare reform and be on a national stage opposing President Obama's healthcare reform," Robert Kraig with Citizen Action of Wisconsin said.

Gov. Walker's office said it's premature to comment specifically on future Medicaid expansions because they're still evaluating the impact an expansion would have on Wisconsin citizens.

"In Wisconsin, more than 90% of our citizens have coverage in healthcare.  Obviously, for the less than 10% who don't, we believe there needs to be solutions to get more people covered," Gov. Walker said.

Latrina Jude says Medicaid is a lifesaver.

"I couldn't pay cash for medication that I take.  With Medicaid, they help me a whole lot," Jude said.

Gov. Walker's office says the budget Gov. Walker signed into law last year increased state taxpayer spending on Medicaid by $1.2 billion -- the largest increase in Wisconsin's history.

"We have a firm commitment to help the poor and challenged in our state to get adequate coverage," Gov. Walker said.

Citizen Action of Wisconsin says it is planning other demonstrations around the state.