Article Summary –
Kate Duffy launched an Instagram account called Motherhood for Good to raise awareness about extending Medicaid coverage for postpartum care, particularly focusing on the affluent women in her community who may not understand the significance of this issue. Although the Wisconsin governor proposed extending Medicaid postpartum coverage from 60 days to one year to address maternal health issues, the proposal faces opposition from Republican State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who argues against expanding welfare. Advocates like Duffy and Emily Tseffos emphasize that extending postpartum care is crucial for mothers and babies, and Wisconsin’s current lack of this expansion impacts maternal mortality and overall community well-being.
In 2022, Kate Duffy, 37, created the Instagram account Motherhood for Good after experiencing motherhood. She aimed to highlight the vital topic of Medicaid coverage for postpartum care among low-income mothers.
Duffy observed that Wisconsin politicians’ efforts to extend Medicaid postpartum care weren’t resonating with affluent Greendale women.
The 2025-27 Wisconsin budget proposal released by Gov. Tony Evers on February 18 recommends extending postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year.
Wisconsin and Arkansas are the sole states lacking this expansion.
“Frankly, many women in my suburban community have never relied on government aid, so terms like Medicare and Medicaid are just jargon to them,” explained Duffy, who has 70,000 social media followers, 60% women from Wisconsin. “Women lose coverage, falling through the cracks.”
In Wisconsin, pregnant women qualify for Medicaid if their income is 306% of the federal poverty line ($15,650 for one person, $21,150 for two). Post 60 days of childbirth, the threshold reverts to federal levels, necessitating private insurance if income exceeds it.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Maternal Mortality Review Team analyzes pregnancy-related deaths. As per their 2024 report, in 2020, there were 49 pregnancy-associated deaths, due to factors like suicide, substance abuse, and medical conditions like high blood pressure.
“A close friend nearly died three months postpartum due to sepsis,” recounted Duffy. “Many face severe issues, and when care isn’t available, they’re left unsupported, especially those with postpartum depression.”
Dr. Jasmine Zapata, chief medical officer at Wisconsin DHS, emphasized that Medicaid expansion “could significantly benefit birthing people and impact infant mortality rates.”
Medicaid postpartum care extension enjoys bipartisan support but faces opposition from Republican State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who stated it’s “unlikely” to pass. “Our stance is that expanding welfare isn’t prudent,” he commented.
In a 2023 Q&A with Wisconsin Health News, Vos argued against Medicaid expansion, claiming too much aid is given and extending postpartum coverage worsens Medicaid.
TAI sought comments from Vos’ office, receiving no reply.
Duffy noted personal stories helped moms comprehend Medicaid expansion better.
“Postpartum challenges resonate with every mom, and 60 days aren’t enough to recover,” Duffy said. “The more they learn about the injustices, the more it connects. Everyone should support this, irrespective of political engagement. We don’t abandon fellow mothers.”
Based on Medicaid.gov data, Medicaid covers 42% of US births. In 2023, it covered 34.7% of Wisconsin births, as reported by March of Dimes.
Emily Tseffos, ex-Democratic State Assembly candidate, leads a grassroots coalition advocating for extended Medicaid postpartum care.
“Mothers’ health impacts the entire state,” Tseffos stressed. “Whether from a social viewpoint or an economic one, this issue affects everyone.”
Evers proposed $24 million for Medicaid extension, impacting over 4,000 mothers, according to his budget plan.
“There’s a partisan view on social welfare, which Vos holds, but we often dehumanize Medicaid beneficiaries, forgetting they are our neighbors,” Tseffos remarked.
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