Incredible Win for Wisconsin Women, Moms, and Babies
MADISON, WI – Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly voted to pass long-overdue legislation that will protect the health and livelihood of women and children across our state.
AB 263, otherwise known as Gail’s Law, requires health insurance policies to provide coverage for diagnostic breast examinations and for supplemental breast screening examinations for an individual who is at increased risk of breast cancer or has dense breast tissue. AB 97 will extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year.
State Rep. Deb Andraca (D – Whitefish Bay) released the following statement regarding the passage of these bills:
“Today is a great day for women, moms, and babies. The Wisconsin State Assembly finally passed both Gail’s Law and Medicaid coverage for postpartum women. After many years of advocates fighting to enact these life-saving bills, Republicans finally listened to the people of Wisconsin by bringing them to the Assembly floor for a vote today.
“Gail Zeamer fought for many years to ensure that women in Wisconsin did not have to fight with insurance companies like she had to for eight years. Every woman in our state deserves access to critical breast cancer imaging, and the passage of Gail’s Law will help ensure access to potentially life-saving care.
“Wisconsin mothers deserve to be healthy as they recover from childbirth and care for their newborns, yet Wisconsin is just one of two states that have not expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage. After years of advocacy, all new moms and their babies can finally access the care they need in one of the most critical times of their lives.
“The Wisconsin Legislature has finally delivered on the issues our constituents care about most. Today is an incredible win for women and the people of Wisconsin – our actions will save women’s lives and protect the health of our newborns.”
