Madison – Today, Representative Jill Billings joined fellow Assembly Democrats in an effort to finally pass postpartum Medicaid expansion to save the lives of mothers and babies in Wisconsin. Rep. Billings released the following statement:
“Extending Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers from 60 days to one year is a common-sense policy that will safeguard the health and the lives of mothers and infants in our state. Wisconsin is one of only two states without a full year of postpartum Medicaid coverage. The vast majority of Assembly members have cosponsored the legislation to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage and the Senate has already passed this bill, so we must take action to get this bill to the Governor’s desk before the end of the session year.”
“The CDC has found that over 80% of maternal deaths during pregnancy, delivery, and one year postpartum are preventable. There were 63 pregnancy-related deaths in Wisconsin between 2020-2022, and 30% of those deaths occurred more than 60 days after delivery. The data and statistics are clear – by passing this legislation, we can save dozens of lives every year.”
“This issue cannot wait. Mothers in Wisconsin are at risk now and deserve access to life-saving health care. States that have expanded their Medicaid coverage experienced a 50% decline in infant mortality, and expanded coverage can reduce postpartum emergency room visits by 13%. Wisconsin’s moms and babies deserve better from our state and the Assembly has the power to save lives and improve the health of families. I am calling on Speaker Vos to immediately schedule a vote to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage.”
