Bill to extend postpartum health care for new moms passes Assembly
MADISON, Wis. – Feb. ( ), 2026 – Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly passed 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.
“We want to thank Representative Snyder and the entire Assembly for advancing this legislation,” 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.”
Currently, Wisconsin and Arkansas are the only two states that haven’t 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 first born, 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 lives of the women we hold near and dear to our hearts.”
The bill now heads to the desk of Governor Tony Evers for signature.
