Wisconsin nursing homes that racked up 384 violations have new management

Four Wisconsin nursing homes that were cited hundreds of times for health care violations have been taken over by new managers, even as the former operator remains embroiled in a legal dispute over financial records. Inspection records show the nursing homes continued to accrue health and safety violations this year under the former operator, Bedrock Healthcare. Some involved active harm to residents — the most serious type of citation given out by federal health inspectors. The four facilities are Silver Springs Health Care Center in Glendale, Heritage Square Health Care Center in Greenfield, Riverdale Health Care Center in Muscoda and Fort Atkinson Health Care Center. A judge ordered a third-party receiver to take over the facilities from Bedrock in July after discovering the company was millions of dollars in debt. As of November, the facilities owe more than $6.7 million in bed taxes, room assessments and real estate fees, according to court records . Bedrock and the court-appointed receiver, attorney Michael Polsky, have been locked in a bitter dispute since August over the release of Bedrock's financial records. At one point, court records show, a Bedrock attorney accused Polsky in an email of being "hostile and combative" in his requests

Insurers drop Winona medical coverage

WINONA, Minn. — Two major regional healthcare insurance carriers, Ucare and Quartz, aren’t renewing coverage in Winona and some neighboring counties. Policy-holders have been informed their coverage will cease in January. This leaves Winonans and others on their own to find replacement coverage. U-Care and Quartz explained heir retreat from areas where claims exceeded their corporate expectations. Also cited were rising prescription costs and uncertainties created by President Trump’s draconian cuts in Medicare to cover expenses of seniors, children and impoverished people.

Important Update for Winona County Residents: Changes to Medicare Advantage Plans and Coverage Options

As of late October 2025, about 2,400 residents in Winona County have been notified that their Medicare Advantage plans with Quartz and UCare will end. These residents must select new coverage.

What Winona Residents Need to Know About Hospice Care from Winona Health

Hospice care aims to improve comfort and quality of life for people with serious illnesses. It also supports their families. Winona Health – Winona Area Hospice answers common questions about hospice care for those in the Winona area.

Medicare Advantage Plans to End at Winona Health and Rushford Clinic in 2026: What Local Residents Need to Know

Winona Health announced that Medicare Advantage plans, including Quartz and UCare, will not be available in Winona County, Minnesota, starting January 1, 2026. This change affects both Winona Health and the Rushford Clinic. These providers will not be in-network for Medicare Advantage members in the area.

How Winona Area Hospice Supports Local Families During Hospice Awareness Month

November is Hospice Awareness Month, which aims to increase understanding of hospice care and how communities can support people with life-limiting illnesses. Hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families. Services are provided in homes, assisted living, or nursing facilities.

Community medicine take back event promotes safe disposal of unused prescriptions

The Brief

Gundersen workers picket in La Crosse against Medicaid cuts

A protest outside of Gundersen in La Crosse on Friday was aimed at getting the federal government back to work, to help people afford health care. The demonstration by workers with the SEIU Union included some chanting, critical of Congressman Derrick Van Orden, who they say has supported cuts which would negative impacts on the hospital and the medical workers.

Sparta announces groundbreaking for Mayo hospital expansion

SPARTA, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – The city of Sparta and Mayo Clinic Health System are celebrating the groundbreaking of a new expansion to the Mayo Sparta hospital. Mayo officials say the expansion will add 10 more comfortable inpatient rooms, allow for more staffing, and provide other benefits. “We also will be adding the services of infusion […]

Help available for Vernon County residents impacted by changes to Medicare plans

VIROQUA, Wis. — Navigating the system of Medicare and public benefits can be daunting, and with pretty major changes happening it can be nerve racking for beneficiaries and their families. It can be difficult to know where to turn for help. We reached out to some area resources to see what help is available to those wondering what the changes are all about.

Gov. Evers travels to La Crosse, to speak with citizens about health care, and Washington shutdowns

Wisconsin’s Democratic governor is upset with the federal shutdown, leading to inaction on health care programs. Governor Tony Evers met in La Crosse on Thursday with community leaders to discuss health care needs, and how they’re being affected by the shutdown. Evers is critical of 3rd District Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s opposition to certain federal laws related to medical care.

Democratic lawmakers tour Cashton health center to discuss lowering healthcare costs

Senate Democrats discuss rising health care costs across Wisconsin

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Wisconsin Senate Democrats gathered Wednesday to address concerns about rising health care costs as Affordable Care Act open enrollment continues across the state.

Mayo Health System demolishes historic St. Ann building in La Crosse

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Mayo Health System has begun demolishing its historic St. Ann building.

Mayo Clinic drops certain Medicare Advantage contracts, leaving thousands scrambling for new coverage

The Brief