MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin's jobless rate sits at 12% in the economic fallout caused by COVID-19.

Health insurance gaps are expected, including for families with young children, and some worry they're not seeking enough help.

Analysts say Wisconsin has a higher than average reliance on employer-sponsored health coverage, but an estimated 260,000 people have lost theirs.

At Covering Wisconsin, navigator program manager Adam Van Spankeren says his organization's phone hasn't been ringing off the hook for enrollment help for the state's Medicaid program or insurance marketplace -- perhaps because people don't know they're eligible.

"Right now, we have kind of typical numbers for this time of year," he states. "But given the impact of COVID, I would expect them to be quadruple what they are now. So, it's really concerning that people who are losing coverage may not be finding help."

From March through May, the state's Medicaid program, known as BadgerCare Plus, saw an enrollment increase of about 65,000 people, including 24,000 children.

And while it's unclear how many people got coverage through the marketplace, Van Spankeren worries families that have never used these programs may not know enough about them.

William Parke-Sutherland, health policy engagement coordinator for the advocacy group Kids Forward, says it's important for parents to know that even if they don't qualify for BadgerCare Plus, there's a good chance their children will -- and health insurance has long lasting positive effects.

"When children have access to health insurance, they have better educational outcomes," he points out. "They have, as adults, they have higher paying jobs, they have overall better health outcomes."

Sutherland says his organization is urging Congress to provide more emergency funding for Medicaid, because as state revenue declines, it will be a struggle to cover the expected increase in demand.

Wisconsin lawmakers also have not fully expanded BadgerCare under the Affordable Care Act -- a move Sutherland says would cover an additional 80,000 people.


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Today is National Brush Day and experts across Kentucky are reminding residents to brush their teeth twice a day, floss, avoid smoking, and especially for pregnant women and children, make an appointment for a cleaning and checkup with a dentist.

Julie Smith, registered dental hygienist and director of dental services for Cumberland Family Medical Center, which provides preventive and restorative oral health for more than a dozen school districts in the region, said without the program, most children would go the entire school year without seeing a dentist.

"It is not uncommon for us to see students who tell us they've never had a toothbrush or they've never had a toothbrush of their own because their entire family shares a toothbrush," Smith explained. "It's not uncommon to meet a child who says, 'When I am at one parent's house I have a toothbrush, but I don't have a toothbrush at the other parent's house.'"

The Kentucky Oral Health Coalition has launched a new series of free oral health materials for communities, dental offices, schools, libraries and other locations.

Dr. Jill Keaton, professor and dean of the Tanner College of Dental Medicine at the University of Pikeville and a member of the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition, said the new resources include information on dental insurance, and oral health tips for pregnancy, children, older adults, and people with substance use disorders.

"I love the fact that these resources are free and something that dentists or dental hygienists, dental assistants can print on their own and then distribute to patients or even other stakeholders," Keaton emphasized.

Smith advised as children have bags full of Halloween candy, it's important not to let them keep it in their rooms or have constant access to sugar, which causes tooth decay.

"Instead, keep it somewhere that maybe they get a couple of treats at meal time after their meal when it's going to do a lot less damage," Smith recommended. "Make the candy last."

According to a 2023 report by the University of Kentucky's Center for Excellence in Rural Health, the Commonwealth ranks ninth among states for oral cancer rates, and fifth in the percentage of adults with tooth extractions.


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Pennsylvania is facing what children's advocacy groups call a historic child care crisis, leaving thousands of young children without access to early learning programs.

A new report estimates Pennsylvania loses $6.65 billion annually when families do not have child care and preschool options.

Kari King, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, said the report examines the policies on child care and pre-K, and highlights workforce challenges affecting many families with young children.

"Both in terms of parents and families in the workforce, and the need for child care to be able for parents to work," King outlined. "We know in the report, just over 70% of families with children currently have both parents or caregivers in the workforce."

In his latest budget proposal, Gov. Josh Shapiro addresses some of the workforce challenges with a $17.7 million boost to early childhood education. $15 million is proposed for Pre-K Counts and $2.7 million for Head Start Supplemental Assistance, investments he said are crucial for working parents' economic stability.

King pointed out Pennsylvania child care workers earn just over $15 an hour, or less than many retail jobs, and half of pre-K programs are delivered through child care centers. But some centers struggle to attract and keep qualified staff.

King observed the wage gap leaves some centers with not enough revenue to pay competitive salaries and keep care affordable.

"That's where we've seen there's been quite an impact since the pandemic, with quite a few programs that have actually closed their doors," King noted. "Over 600 child care providers have been lost since right before the pandemic. So, I think you're seeing a lot of those businesses again in that untenable situation."

The report pointed out pre-K teachers in Pennsylvania earn annual salaries about half those of kindergarten teachers. One recommendation is to provide pay for pre-K teachers on a par with elementary school educators.

Advocates for children in New Hampshire said the state needs elected officials who will put kids' futures first.

With biennial budget negotiations to begin next year, they said access to quality early education, school meals and services are all on the line this election.

Megan Brabec, New Hampshire state manager for the Save the Children Action Network, said children cannot vote but they are on the ballot.

"It's really important that we have Senators and representatives that are aware of these issues," Brabec stressed. "That are prioritizing these issues and recognize the role for government in addressing these issues."

Brabec pointed out with child care for two children younger than five now topping $30,000 a year, too many children are forced to go without the early education known to improve their long-term outcomes.

A bipartisan mix of candidates is offering solutions, including the establishment of universal Pre-K to ensure all kids start kindergarten on the same footing. Others want to simplify eligibility for free or reduced-price meals using Medicaid data or create a state fund to finance early educator recruitment and retention.

Ella Bender, a child advocate and student at the University of New Hampshire, has been registering voters and encouraging them to think of future generations.

"We want students to know that the power is in their hands to vote for officials in the state of New Hampshire that are going to put children's needs first," Bender emphasized.

Bender argued every child in New Hampshire deserves a quality education and to have their basic needs met.

A recent Save the Children Action Network survey found a majority of likely voters across the United States feel more favorable about a political candidate who supports greater investments in child care or programs to relieve food insecurity.