MILWAUKEE, Wis. – March 18, 2026 – Today, Governor Tony Evers signed Senate Bill 23, a bipartisan bill that extends postpartum health care coverage from 60 days to 12 months. This bill
prioritizes moms and babies by ensuring healthcare coverage during a critical period after
childbirth.

“Today we celebrate the signing of the postpartum bill,” said American Heart Association
Government Relations Director Nicole Hudzinski. “This is a smart, lifesaving investment in
Wisconsin families, and a meaningful step forward for maternal health.”

Wisconsin joins 48 other states that have extended coverage to 12 months after delivery.

“Pregnancy-related complications don’t just end at delivery— serious, life-threatening
conditions can emerge weeks or even months after childbirth,” said Anna Rehbein,
Onalaska resident and Chair of the American Heart Association’s WI Advocacy Committee.
“Extending postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months will save lives by ensuring new
moms have access to care, monitoring, and support during one of the most vulnerable
periods of their lives.”

Life-threatening conditions like hypertension, stroke, and heart failure can develop several
months after delivery. Annmae Minichello, mother of two who experienced heart failure after
delivering her firstborn, says this issue is personal to her. “Cardiac risk can occur up to six
months after pregnancy, and recovering from the physical and emotional trauma requires
so much more time. Having continuous access to healthcare for twelve months following
the birth of a child can save the lives of the women we hold near and dear to our hearts.”

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