Senator Jesse James (R – Thorp) and Representative Patrick Snyder (R – Weston) were the lead authors on SB 23/AB 97
Madison, WI – Today, the Assembly voted on and passed Senate Bill 23, which extends Medical Assistance coverage from 60 days to a full year for postpartum women. Below is a joint statement by Senator Jesse James and Representative Patrick Snyder:
“We did it. This journey, since its inception, has been nothing short of a wild ride. There have been endless conversations to keep this bill alive, and it has finally paid off. One thing we have done this session consistently is never give up. We told people both in the Capitol and back at home that our faith will not die until the last gavel has fallen.”
From 2020 to 2022, there were 63 pregnancy-related deaths in the state of Wisconsin 33% of which occurred after the 60-day postpartum period currently covered by BadgerCare in Wisconsin. 76% of those who died had Medicaid coverage during their delivery and for the first 60 days following the birth of their child. A majority of these deaths were due to mental health conditions, substance use disorder, cardiovascular conditions and hypertensive disorders.
SB 23 supports new mothers who are already eligible for BadgerCare with uninterrupted health care coverage for an additional 10-months after birth, aligning her coverage with her baby’s coverage, for the full 12-month postpartum period. Uninterrupted health care coverage is important in not only managing pregnancy-related medical complications, but also to maintain critical access to mental health providers for treating postpartum depression, a prescription drug benefit, breastfeeding support, and substance use disorder treatment and providers. Senator James and Representative Snyder continued:
“We are so proud to sit here today knowing we made Wisconsin a healthier, safer place for our mothers and children. Wisconsin is one of only two states to not extend coverage, but after today, we will no longer be behind. We are moving forward to ensure the mothers in our communities get the care they deserve.”
This bill is now headed to the Governor and will hopefully be signed into law.
