Patients Bill of Rights legislation introduced

• Representative Jon Richards and Senator Jon Erpenbach introduced the Wisconsin Patients’ Bill of Rights legislation Sept. 8.

The bill would ensure that all new health plans cover preventive care services, including mammograms, well-women visits, and contraception, without a co-pay. It would also prohibit insurers from rescinding health plans when families need them the most by removing lifetime limit on coverage as well as annual limits in 2014. Hospital stays for new mothers are covered for no less than 48 hours after delivery and 96 hours after a cesarean section under the bill.

• Sister Bay Utilities has taken the water tower located on Jungwirth Court out of service for sand blasting, cleaning and painting. Classic Protective Coatings of Menomonie started the project Sept. 9 and aims to complete the project by Oct. 12.

Water pressure will be supplied by variable speed booster pumps during the project, though fire hydrant supply will be restricted. Customers should not notice any difference in water pressure supply.

• Eighth Congressional District Representative Reid Ribble moved back to his family’s home in Sherwood, outside of the district he represents. Ribble’s home had been on the market for over a year but did not sell. The U.S. Constitution requires only that you be a resident of the state at the time of election, not that a representative live in the district he or she represents, according to the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board. Under new district maps approved by Gov. Scott Walker Aug. 9, Ribble’s Sherwood home will be included in the 8th District starting in 2013.