Governor Signs 'Michelle's Law' For Health Care Coverage

MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill Wednesday making Wisconsin the seventh state to enact "Michelle's Law."

Michelle Morse, of New Hampshire, lost a battle with colon cancer in 2005. She couldn't reduce her course load while she battled the disease because she would lose her health care coverage.

Zach Grun, a University of Wisconsin-Marinette student, inspired the law in Wisconsin after losing health insurance coverage while he dealt with a serious illness, WISC-TV reported.

Paula Langteau, UW-Marinette dean and CEO, said that won't happen again now that Assembly Bill 280 has been signed into law.

"It assures they can continue to receive health care through their family's health care policy, even if they're unable to maintain their full-time status," Langteau said.

The governor on Wednesday also announced federal approval of his BadgerCare Plus plan, which is a program to insure all Wisconsin children regardless of family income.

Families can sign up for the plan starting Feb. 1.