WI Medicaid: A push for expanded postpartum care

In Wisconsin, new mothers covered by Medicaid (BadgerCare) lose their full coverage just 60 days after giving birth — one of the shortest periods in the country. A bipartisan bill (SB 23) passed the Senate in April 2025 would extend that coverage to 12 months, giving women more time to recover, address chronic issues, and get preventive care.

At the same time, Wisconsin is one of 10 states that have not adopted full Medicaid expansion, limiting coverage for many adults without children. That means these seemingly modest postpartum reforms are happening in a system already under strain — making this moment especially important for women’s access to care.

SB 23 is currently pending a vote in the Assembly, but is facing opposition from the Speaker.

Why it Matters

Extending postpartum Medicaid coverage from two months to a full year would give thousands of Wisconsin mothers more time to recover, manage complications, and stay connected to care. Right now, coverage ends just as many health challenges — like depression, hypertension, and diabetes — start to surface. Wisconsin’s proposal would close one of the most glaring gaps in the state’s safety net, but lasting progress will depend on whether lawmakers expand Medicaid coverage more broadly for low-income adults.

Background

Most states have already extended Medicaid coverage for new mothers to a full year after childbirth, recognizing that health problems don’t stop at two months. Wisconsin and Arkansas are now the only states that still cut off coverage at 60 days.

Part of the reason is how Wisconsin’s Medicaid system is structured. The state covers some low-income adults through BadgerCare, but has never fully expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. That means fewer people qualify, and many working women fall into a gap — earning too much to stay on Medicaid but too little to afford private insurance.

The proposal to extend postpartum coverage to 12 months wouldn’t close that larger gap, but it would make a real difference for new mothers who rely on Medicaid for care. It’s a step toward catching up with the rest of the country — and toward giving Wisconsin families a more stable start.

Resources

Wisconsin Public Radio - Wisconsin Senate passes bipartisan measure to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage
Wisconsin Examiner - Senate passes postpartum Medicaid, while Assembly votes to restrict unemployment
KFF - Status of State Medicaid Expansion Decisions