Windsor, Wis. – Oct. 17, 2024 – Senator Joan Ballweg, pictured here (center) with board members from the American Cancer Society in Wisconsin Chair Cory Recknor (left) and Korey Feiner (right), receiving the State Senator of the Year award. It is one of the most prestigious awards presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of her significant contributions to the fight against cancer in Wisconsin.  

Senator Ballweg served as lead author of the postpartum Medicaid extension bill and got the bill passed 32-1 in the State Senate last session. The legislation would extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 full months after giving birth, a policy that has overwhelming support in Wisconsin.  

“Senator Ballweg has been a strong advocate for extending health care coverage for new moms. Improving cancer diagnosis and survivorship after a pregnancy is not just important to postpartum individuals, but to their babies and the entire family as we aim to protect the health of all Wisconsinites,” said Sara Sahli, ACS CAN Wisconsin government relations director. “Ensuring low-income individuals and families have access to affordable health coverage through postpartum Medicaid coverage is one way that we can reduce cancer incidence and mortality.” 


For countless cancer patients and survivors, uninterrupted access to quality, affordable and comprehensive health coverage is a matter of life and survivorship. Never is this more true than in the period after giving birth, when cancer risks are heightened. Extending to one full year of coverage would allow for more time to diagnose and treat health issues, including cancer, that may have been identified during routine pregnancy and postpartum care, especially for those women who were uninsured prior to their pregnancy.

“We thank Senator Ballweg for her leadership and commitment to this critical issue,” added Sahli.

Nearly 40,000 Wisconsinites will be diagnosed with cancer this year.

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