Wisconsin Expands Postpartum Medicaid Coverage
Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin recently fulfilled a promise he made a year ago by signing a bill that extends Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers in the state to one full year.
In a video posted online, Evers officially enacted Senate Bill 23, which is also known as Wisconsin Act 102 of 2025. He expressed that this legislation increases postpartum coverage from just 60 days after giving birth to a full year, highlighting the importance of better care for mothers and babies.
“I just signed a bill that extends postpartum coverage for mothers in Wisconsin from an abysmal 60 days after giving birth to a full year,” Evers stated. “I promised to never stop fighting to ensure mothers and babies get the postnatal care they need, and today I made good on that promise.”
Evers has been a strong advocate for improved access to quality healthcare, all while improving maternal and child health. Surprisingly, he has been pushing for this expansion for nearly seven years. He noted, “Nearly seven years ago, to this day, I first proposed expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to a full year.” This idea was part of his initial budget announcement back in 2019 and has appeared in every budget proposal since.
This legislation is a part of Evers’ broader initiative called “Healthy Eating, Healthy Babies,” where he aims to widen postpartum coverage. He believes that all residents should have access to quality, affordable healthcare, especially in reproductive health.
Following the bill’s signing, Evers plans to venture across the state to engage with community members. He aims to have discussions with mothers, families, and leaders about ongoing maternal health challenges and how they can be addressed moving forward.
With this new law, Wisconsin becomes the 49th state to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have shown support for the bill, recognizing its potential to save lives and improve healthcare for women.
Representative Robin Vining, a Democrat, remarked, “Expanding postpartum Medicaid will prevent preventable deaths and provide women with the health care they need to care for their newborns, including the mental health care they need.” Republican Representative Barbara Dietrich also supported the initiative, stating, “This bill makes sense.”
Many people took to social media to express their approval of Evers’ decision, with some noting their support for the bill. One commenter highlighted a controversial remark Evers made previously, but still expressed support for the initiative, indicating the complexity of public figures and their statements.
