Gov. Tony Evers Sitting at a Table with Community Workers in Douglas County on Oct. 29 in the Superior Public Library

Photo by Hannah Hutton | The Promethean

Gov. Tony Evers along with local health care leaders, tribal representatives, and leaders in nonprofit advocacy met at the beginning of November 2025 in Douglas County, Wis. Touching on many topics, the conversation concentrated on concerns about major federal changes that could disrupt access to both health care and food for hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites. The discussion focused on the impending expiration of the pandemic era Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits and ongoing instability surrounding FoodShare, Wisconsin’s SNAP program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

At the beginning of the meeting, Gov. Evers explained that pandemic era tax credits under the ACA have helped many Wisconsinites keep their health insurance affordable. With those credits slated to expire due to lack of congressional action, insurance costs are expected to spike drastically.

Evers listed examples of what different families could face in regard to premium increases. “A 26-year-old making $48,000 a year will see an 85% increase, which is $2,128 a year,” he said. “A 60-year-old making about $63,000 will see a 391% increase, which is roughly $14,000. A family of four making about $120,000 will see an increase of $4,366, about 57%.” Evers also discussed how higher costs will lead to more people seeking care only when they are already in crisis. “When people are without or have very little health insurance, where do they go? ER,” he said. Evers described this as a looming crisis for both individuals and hospital systems.

In discussing the connection between food insecurity and general health, Wisconsin leaders raised concerns about rising health insurance costs. According to a local health care worker: “People cannot afford their inhalers. They cannot afford their medications. They cannot afford to go to urgent care.” Another health care worker said, “We are seeing an increase in stress, anxiety and depression. People are overwhelmed.”

A Northern Wisconsin health worker warned that rural areas may struggle the most. “We are already stretched thin. We do not have enough providers. We do not have enough clinics. We are seeing more people who are uninsured and need help.”

In discussing the needs of the Douglas community outside of health care, many leaders spoke out. Food access was a major concern after the government shutdown disrupted SNAP and FoodShare schedules. A community provider discussed how local families are already feeling the effects of the government shutdown. They went on to say, “People are worried their FoodShare will not load. They are calling us nonstop. They rely on that to feed their kids.”

 

Community Workers sitting at the Round Table on Oct. 29 in the Superior Public Library. Photos by Hannah Hutton | The Promethean

Another provider discussed how food insecurity and health instability connect to each other. They said, “When people do not know if they can feed their family, everything else gets worse. Their mental health. Their physical health. Their stress levels. It is all connected.”

Gov. Evers urged Wisconsin residents to contact their federal representatives. “We need people to understand the huge impact this will have on our state,” he said. “We need Congress to act.”

A public health worker echoed that message. “These are not numbers on a page. These are real people. Real families. We are asking for help.”

The office of the governor published a press release discussing Gov. Ever’s time spent traveling throughout Wisconsin, visiting the 72 counties. The governor’s release stated, “The conversations I have with folks across our state make me a better governor, help us solve problems, and ensure our administration is delivering for Wisconsinites no matter what part of the state they live in.” Evers thanked Wisconsinites and went on to say, “Even as a born-and-raised Wisconsinite, I still never stop being amazed by the people of this state and the ingenuity, kindness, and compassion I see everywhere I go. There is so much good work happening in every part of Wisconsin, and I’m incredibly grateful to all the folks who’ve warmly and graciously welcomed me over this past year.”

If you wish to contact your local representative, you can find your representative at the link below by inputting your zip code. https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Residents of Douglas County who wish to contact their representative can contact the congressional Rep. Tom Tiffany. Connect with Rep. Tiffany through the representative website either through email, by submitting an email form, or by phone at the Wausau district office (715) 298-9344 or the Washington DC office (202) 225-3365.