Astrid Code / Wisconsin Watch

A caregiver waves while leaving the home of an older adult. Immigrants make up 30% of all direct care workers nationwide, according to KFF. Federal immigration changes have made recruiting workers even more of a challenge, Wisconsin officials say. (Elena Delzer for Wisconsin Watch)

Health

Federal immigration policy may be worsening Wisconsin’s caregiver shortage, leaders say

Policy changes by the Trump administration are weakening an already struggling workforce that helps care for Wisconsin’s older adults and disabled population.

A counselor responds to calls and chats to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin in Green Bay, Wis., on Sept. 3, 2026. The service has received more than 345,000 texts or calls since it launched in July 2022. (Astrid Code / Wisconsin Watch)

Health

Despite bipartisan support, 988 Crisis Lifeline faces funding shortage

Astrid Code / Wisconsin Watch

The service has a track record of success and growing demand, but state lawmakers have failed to provide permanent funding.

An exam room is shown at the Bread of Healing Clinic in Milwaukee on Nov. 24, 2025. An estimated 63,000 people could lose Medicaid coverage in Wisconsin when new work requirements are in place.

Health

Some states started Medicaid work requirements early. What can Wisconsin learn?

Astrid Code / Wisconsin Watch

How the process is going for officials in Nebraska and Montana could provide key lessons for states facing a Jan. 1 deadline, including Wisconsin.