Keep Medicaid strong for kids

Medicaid is for all kids

One in every three kids in Wisconsin are impacted by Medicaid. In addition to covering children in low income families, Medicaid also provides access to care for children with disabilities and often pays for specialized services for children with complex medical conditions enrolled in private insurance.

What's at risk

At Children's Wisconsin, more than 50 percent of the patients we serve every year receive some form of Medicaid coverage. That coverage is uncertain as elected officials in Washington, D.C., debate plans for repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act and reforming Medicaid.

Take action

Children's wants to keep Medicaid strong for all children. If you have a story to share, please fill out our form >>>

Faces of Medicaid

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

• Andrew from Sheboygan, was born with a life-threatening skull deformity and a connective tissue disorder that causes multiple complications that require care from several specialists. BadgerCare, Wisconsin's Medicaid program, has provided invaluable support to his care.
• Aubrey from Waukesha, was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect, which required surgery soon after she was born. Through Medicaid, Aubrey receives specialty care and services that help her thrive.
• Avery from Arpin, came to Children's when he was four-years-old after suffering a sudden stroke as a result of a rare genetic disorder that causes his vessels to become a tangled mess in his brain and lungs. Medicaid has and will support surgeries to mitigate the impact of this rare disorder.
• Beatrix from Whitefish Bay, was born with Down syndrome and deudenal atresia – an intestinal condition requiring surgery. Her parents believe that without Medicaid, they would be financially ruined.
• Ben from Trevor, suffered a stroke while in utero. Because of this, his umbilical cord was badly damaged and Ben was born with many special needs.
• Cailinn from Hales Corners, is only the third person in the world to be diagnosed with the genetic disorder Unbalanced Chromosomal Translocation of her 5q/9p. She was born with holes in her heart and her initial prognosis was grim. Medicaid insurance has been crucial to providing necessary medical equipment for Cailinn.
• Caitlin, was born premature at 29 weeks, and shortly thereafter she suffered a stroke. As a result, she developed hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid within the brain. This condition required a shunt to be surgically placed to drain the excess fluid. Caitlin has had many brain surgeries to repair and replace the shunt over the years. In addition to hydrocephalus, Caitlin has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and a mild dilation of her aorta.
• Draya, was born prematurely at 24 weeks, weighing just over one pound. She was transferred to Children's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where she received very special care.
• JoJo, was born in 2015 with congenital cataracts – a rare eye condition. In addition, he was born with undescended testicles as well as an internal double hernia.
• Jordyn from St. Francis, was born with spina bifida, a rare birth defect that results in a baby's spinal cord failing to develop and close properly. Her family receives support through the Katie Beckett program, which helps pay for the coordination of her complex care.
• Keagan, was born with mild hearing loss. Keagan's hearing loss progressed so quickly that within two years it was so severe that even the most powerful hearing aids would not allow Keagan to hear all of the speech sounds.
• Mira from Oconomowoc, a triplet, has dealt with health issues her entire life – even before she was born prematurely at only 30 weeks. While her brothers were healthy, doctors warned she might not survive. The family quickly reached their lifetime insurance maximum.
• Tony from Madison, was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia, an acquired bone marrow failure. His lifesaving specialty care was possible because of Medicaid coverage.
• Zachary from Milwaukee, was born prematurely and suffered a birth injury causing him to experience low oxygen levels and seizures. The birth injury resulted in brain damage which caused developmental delays and several other special health care conditions. Medicaid allows Zachary to see the providers who are helping him thrive.