A doctor’s call to preserve Medicaid

To the Editor:

As our elected Congressional representatives debate measures towards a budget reconciliation, it is imperative that Representative Tiffany votes to preserve Medicaid in its entirety to protect an important lifeline for Wisconsin women. He should oppose restrictions such as per capita caps, work requirements, and lowering the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages [FMAP], which would threaten our state budget. As more than two thirds of Wisconsin women are of child-bearing age, and as more than forty percent of Wisconsin births are delivered with Medicaid funding assistance, it should be clear that our Medicaid funding is truly a “pro-life” program for mothers who are attempting to maintain their rightful role as productive citizens.

To this extent on behalf of the state of Wisconsin including Mr. Tiffany’s constituents, 18 physicians and students representing the Wisconsin Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists traveled to Washington, DC on March 11, to educate our elected congressional officials about the need to protect Medicaid as a critical lifeline for women’s health. It is hoped that the citizens of Wisconsin District 7 will urge Representative Tiffany to show courage and be willing to overcome the Republican enthusiasm for dismantling segments of our government which have been assigned toward ensuring the public good. 

Douglas Laube, MD, M.Ed

Madison