A full review of BadgerCare, a Wisconsin health-care reimbursement program for low-income families, was requested from the Legislative Audit Bureau Friday by state Sen. Mary Lazich, R-New Berlin.
With state funds for the program dwindling, Lazich said she wants to ensure that the money is being used effectively.
""We owe it to the taxpayers to ensure their money is being spent as wisely and efficiently as possible,"" she said in a statement.
Lazich called for the review after the state recently implemented plans to expand the program. She said she is confident the ""nationally recognized"" LAB will identify any waste and inefficiency.
""The Legislative Audit Bureau can identify inefficiencies or problems that the Department of Health Services can utilize to assist more individuals properly and effectively,"" Lazich said.
Recent incidents of misused state funds have been found in the taxpayer-funded Wisconsin Shares child-care program and Wisconsin's food-stamp program. Earlier this month, Gov. Jim Doyle signed into law a Wisconsin Shares ""accountability bill"" that aims to add new safeguards to the program.
Lazich said she is determined to stop any future fraud or errors in the BadgerCare program.
""The respected Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau can provide preventative medicine to ensure the state does not repeat previous scandals,"" she said.
