Milwaukee County Board approves $450M United Healthcare contract

The 13-5 vote came after an administrative error caused the previous contract to lapse at the end of 2025.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors voted 13-5 to approve a new $450 million health care contract with United Healthcare on Thursday. The approval came after county officials discovered at the end of January that their previous health care contract had expired at the end of 2025 due to an administrative error by a human resources employee who is no longer with the county.

Why it matters

The lapse in the previous health care contract raised concerns about potential disruptions to county employee and retiree health coverage, though benefits continued uninterrupted through the county itself. The rushed approval process also drew criticism from some supervisors who felt there was inadequate time for review of the new contract details.

The details

The new United Healthcare contract was approved despite objections from 5 of the 18 county supervisors, who argued the approval process was too rushed. Some details of the new contract are still being finalized, according to Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman. County Executive David Crowley said he would sign the contract as soon as it reached his desk.

  • The previous health care contract lapsed at the end of 2025.
  • County officials discovered the lapse at the end of January 2026.
  • The County Board voted 13-5 to approve the new United Healthcare contract on February 6, 2026.

The players

David Crowley

Milwaukee County Executive who said he would sign the new United Healthcare contract.

Justin Bielinski

16th District Supervisor who called for more oversight in future contract processes.

Sheldon Wasserman

District 3 Supervisor who was one of five who voted against the new contract, arguing the approval process was rushed.

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What they’re saying

“There was an individual who had a lot of say over the whole process who didn't ask for help when he needed to ask for help.”

— Justin Bielinski, 16th District Supervisor (tmj4.com)

“Health care is everything. If you don't have your health care, you have nothing.”

— Sheldon Wasserman, District 3 Supervisor (tmj4.com)

“Some details of the contract are still being decided, and I think that's the other part of it, how can you give your name and sign off on a contract when there are no answers to that contract.”

— Sheldon Wasserman, District 3 Supervisor (tmj4.com)

What’s next

Supervisor Martin is looking into the administrative error that led to the lapse in the previous health care contract, and county officials have pledged to implement more oversight in future contract renewal processes.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of proactive contract management and the need for robust internal controls to prevent administrative lapses that could disrupt critical employee benefits. It also underscores the challenges county governments face in balancing fiscal responsibility with ensuring continuity of essential services for their workforce and constituents.