Judge hears arguments over Wisconsin medical fund

AP/Chicago Tribune, August 26, 2008

A judge is considering the legality of a $200 million fund transfer made to help balance the Wisconsin budget. The Wisconsin Medical Society sued after the Legislature approved the transfer, arguing that taking money out of the fund used to pay medical malpractice claims was an illegal raid that puts patients and doctors at risk. The transfer is similar to others made over the years to help balance the state budget, state attorneys said. But the Medical Society said the large transfer makes the fund unstable and will result in an increase in charges to doctors and hospitals.