POLITICS

Wisconsin Set To Expand Postpartum Medicaid, Leaving Arkansas

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MADISON, Wis. — The state Assembly approved expansion of postpartum Medicaid Thursday, extending coverage for low-income mothers from 60 days to 12 months and passing a bill requiring insurance to cover additional breast cancer screenings for women with dense tissue. The measures cleared the state Senate and moved through the Assembly with bipartisan support after Speaker Robin Vos relented following years of delay. Gov. Tony Evers is expected to sign the bills next week, which will make Wisconsin the 49th state to provide one-year postpartum Medicaid coverage, leaving Arkansas as the sole holdout. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Years of advocacy and repeated legislative attempts to expand postpartum Medicaid preceded recent action.
State Senate passed the postpartum Medicaid expansion and breast screening coverage bills earlier in the legislative process.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos previously blocked floor votes, stalling the bills in committee for multiple sessions.
Speaker Vos relented and the Assembly scheduled floor votes; Democratic amendments were presented during the session.
Assembly approved the measures (Medicaid expansion passed 95-1 reported) and sent bills to Governor Tony Evers for signature.

Why This Matters to You

This Medicaid expansion in Wisconsin means more low-income mothers will have access to healthcare for a full year after childbirth. If you or someone you know is in this situation, check your eligibility. It's a step towards better maternal health nationwide.

The Bottom Line

Wisconsin's move leaves Arkansas as the only state not providing one-year postpartum Medicaid coverage. This could prompt further action there. Worth forwarding if you know someone advocating for maternal health in Arkansas.