Madison, Wis. – Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly successfully passed Assembly Bill 97 and Assembly Bill 263, after years of wait, progressing women’s healthcare in the state. AB 97 has significant bipartisan support, extending postpartum Medicaid coverage from sixty days to twelve months. AB 263, also known as Gail’s Law, increases access to breast cancer screenings, requiring medical assistance programs to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations. State Representative Priscilla A. Prado (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement regarding the passage of these two bills:
“Despite the years of delay, I am proud that the Assembly has finally scheduled these bills for a vote. Assembly Democrats worked relentlessly to get these bills to the Floor, proposing amendments to every bill on today’s calendar to include this extension. I am so happy to see Wisconsin join the forty-eight other states who have already extended postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months.
Assembly Democrats worked late Wednesday night to guarantee that these bills would be scheduled for a vote today after Assembly Republican Leadership stalled the vote on these two bills. Late last night, Assembly Republican Leadership finally agreed to move the bills to the Floor for a vote today. In response to AB 97 and AB 263 passing, Rep. Prado states:
“Named after Gail Ziemer, Gail’s Law will save so many lives, eliminating unexpected and unnecessary medical costs relating to breast cancer screenings. Gail received a late breast cancer diagnosis, which inspired her to fight for this legislation so that these barriers to pre-screening can be reduced. As someone who has dense breast, I’ve experienced all of the extensive tests and biopsies you have to go endure to protect your health. The least of our worries should be the price of our wellness.
Both bills have overwhelming bipartisan support, passing 32-1 in the Wisconsin State Senate. Despite years of opposition from Republican Leadership, a passing vote on these bills demonstrates major commitment from the Legislature to fight for the expansion of women’s healthcare.
“Passing these bills today was a big win for women, for families, and for Wisconsin. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of both of these bills, and proud to be a part of the legislative body who had the opportunity to vote yes.”
