Medicaid Matters: Building Stronger Futures for Wisconsin's Children

Medicaid matters for kids and families in every county across our state

Medicaid is the single largest health insurer for kids across the country. In Wisconsin, approximately 500,000 children are covered by Medicaid each year, equating to over one-third of kids living in the state.

Investing in the health of children

Medicaid is a critical source of health care coverage for kids with complex and chronic health conditions, kids living in families with lower incomes and kids in foster care. Medicaid coverage supports kids and families in accessing the preventive health care they need to be well and keeps their health care costs low. For kids with complex medical needs, Medicaid often serves as a secondary payer, covering the high-quality specialty care, services and equipment they need to thrive. Providing kids with Medicaid coverage is a smart, up-front investment in helping them achieve positive health outcomes and reach their full potential.

Take action - share your story

Children's wants to keep Medicaid strong for all children. If you have a story to share about how Medicaid is important for your family, please fill out our form.

Medicaid Matters

Click the names of the kids below to learn more about their stories.

• Caroline from Kenosha, was born with Down syndrome, a heart condition that required open-heart surgery and sees a dozen specialists at Children's Wisconsin. Katie Beckett Medicaid has made a huge difference for their family, covering necessary care, supplies and more.
• Sammy from Plymouth, went from the football field to the hospital as a mass attached to his colon began to shut down his organs. After treatment and physical therapy, Sammy is back to playing sports, thanks in part to Medicaid coverage which ensured Sammy was able to receive the care he needed and provide stability for his family.
• George from Stevens Point, was born with cleft lip and palate and Pierre Robin sequence which causes jaw and other oral health challenges. With Medicaid insurance and his special health care needs, George's family could not find a provider near their home who was able to provide the great quality of care he's received at Children's Wisconsin. 
• Prince, King and Idanna from Milwaukee, visit Children's Wisconsin's Midtown Clinic for regular check-ups and benefit from the integrated mental and behavioral health and dental care offered at Midtown Clinic. Prince recently had elevated blood lead levels, received treatment in the hospital and got connected to local health department resources. Medicaid has been crucial for their family to access the care they need.
• Camden from Eagle, had a standard newborn screening test that revealed he had spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disorder that causes loss of muscle strength and control. Camden received early gene therapy and is healthy and thriving today. Having Medicaid coverage removed the worry about the cost of treatment and allowed them to focus on saving Camden's life.
• Lici from Racine, was born with an ultra-rare neurodevelopmental disease that causes developmental delays, issues with mobility, feeding and more. Without Medicaid coverage, her mom doesn't know how they would be managing her extensive health needs, which included three recent surgeries.
• Solomon from Fond du Lac, developed some challenges with his gross motor skills when he was 3-years-old which testing later revealed a diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), which progressively impacts daily living. Solomon participated in a gene therapy trial that has given him years of mobility and high quality of life. His Medicaid coverage has allowed Solomon's family to continue living life to the fullest without worrying about medical bills.
• Daijah from Milwaukee, was born with Sickle cell disease and experiences frequent pain, anemia and infections. She recently had a silent stroke and receives monthly blood transfusions. Daijah is on the donor list for a bone marrow transplant. Without Medicaid as her health insurance, her family doesn't know where they'd be physically, emotionally or financially.
• Emma and Tay from Kaukauna, were both fostered and adopted by their parents. Emma had three strokes shortly after she was born, has cerebral palsy and an aggressive form of epilepsy. Tay was born with both of his femurs not fully developed and Pierre Robin sequence which impacts his jaw. Emma and Tay see more than a dozen specialists at Children's. Medicaid has been an essential part of their journeys covering medications, therapies, procedures, surgeries and equipment for them to have a fulfilling life.
• Aiden, Elijah and Axel from Madison, were both fostered and adopted by their parents who were licensed through Children's Wisconsin. Aiden and Elijah both have autism and have significant behavioral and emotional health needs. Today, the boys are thriving from services supported by Medicaid through the Children's Long Term Support (CLTS) program which provides typical childhood activities and enrichment to support their development and set them up for success in school and in the future.
• Rylan from Pulaski, suddenly developed red and purple spots and after coming to Children's via ambulance and undergoing testing, he was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia. Rylan stayed in the hospital for three months and recently had a bone marrow transplant and is doing great. Without the help of Medicaid, Rylan's family was able to focus on Rylan and not worry about how to pay for his lifesaving treatment.
• Charlie from De Pere, was born with a very rare genetic disorder, Harel-Yoon syndrome, which impacts several body systems. Charlie sees 15 specialists at Children's Wisconsin, has had 18 surgeries and dozens of procedures, including having rods placed in his back. Medicaid coverage provides vital relief and prevented significant debt, covering essential supplies and equipment.
• Xavier from Wauwatosa, suffered a traumatic brain injury as an infant and was placed with his foster parents who later adopted him. He has had several brain surgeries at Children's Wisconsin to help address seizures he was having and is regularly monitored. Xavier's Medicaid insurance covers lifesaving surgeries, seizure medications and regular check-ups to keep him healthy.
• Ellie from Seymour, and her twin brother were born early, with Ellie being born with her bladder outside of her body and several other GI and kidney challenges. Ellie received a kidney transplant from her mom when she was 3-years-old, however her body is now rejecting the kidney. Medicaid has been a blessing throughout her journey, covering copays, medications and lifesaving procedures and treatment.
• Emmett from Wausau, was a healthy 1-year-old when he suddenly became pale and irritable. Testing revealed Emmett had B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia which affects the bone marrow and blood. Emmett had intense treatment, steroids, oral chemotherapy and more - including genetic testing which revealed a condition that causes tumors to grow along his nerves. Katie Beckett Medicaid brings peace of mind that Emmette can receive the care ne needs.