State Assembly finally passes measure to extend benefits for women’s health

In late February, the Wisconsin State Assembly approved two women’s health bills, expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months and doing away with out of pocket expanses for breast cancer screenings. Although Wisconsin, after years of opposition led by retiring Republican Speaker Robin Vos, became the second to last state in the country to extend Medicaid benefits, the Assembly vote marked a major step forward in women’s health care for the state. 

Emily Miota, Communications Director at Kids Forward, a statewide policy center, believes these changes will help individuals who have more serious health concerns. 

“Two of the bigger health issues include hemorrhaging and cardiomyopathy,” she said. “Providing Medicaid up to a year, not just 60 days, means that more new moms are likely to continue seeking medical care for ongoing issues, and visit the doctor if concerns arise.” 

This bill was supported by many politicians, and Miota has a hopeful outlook on the possible advancement of Wisconsin healthcare facilitated by this bill. 

“A lot of the health care industry supports this measure,” she said. “When it comes to health care, the reality is that we are all deeply connected whether we have insurance or not.”

Alana Erickson, Healthy Lifespan Division Supervisor from the Winnebago County Health Department, said that numerous health related problems can occur after 60 days post-partum. 

“Some of the later onset symptoms include postpartum anxiety and depression, thyroid problems, pelvic floor dysfunction, high blood pressure, sexual health problems, severe fatigue, nutrient deficiencies and blood sugar concerns,” she said. 

Erickson also detailed numerous possible consequences if Medicaid was not expanded as this not only affects mothers, but all of Wisconsin’s people and healthcare economy. 

“Some of the consequences of not implementing MA expansion include more racial and geographical, specifically rural, disparities in health outcomes, and not enough funding to keep low cost, local OB/GYN clinics open,” she said. “There is also less funding for safety networks that offer local, low-cost options for maternal health, and reactionary treatment costs.” 

Miota notes that the expansion of the bill does not have major financial consequences. 

“Expanding postpartum is less than a tenth of 1% of the Medicaid budget,” she said. “This will have the same impact on our state budget as a rounding error.” 

At little cost she believes post-partum Medicaid expansion should have been done earlier. However, Erickson recognizes the monies come at the state level. 

“One of the biggest financial obstacles Wisconsin faces when expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage is the additional cost to the state budget required to fund the extended benefits,” she said. “Although the federal government covers a large portion of Medicaid expenses, Wisconsin must still provide a state funding match.”

Erickson also brings up possible consequences that could occur after this bill is implemented that could impact Wisconsin hospitals and economy. 

“Prioritizing this in the budget will mean cuts to other programs that may have policy makers hesitant to champion maternal health over economical gains or efficiencies in healthcare,” she said. “Our current model of fragmented health systems make multiple trips, appointments, and specialties more difficult to access."

Sophomore Emily Kasubaski believes the decision could deeply benefit single mothers.

“I personally believe that you definitely need more than 60 days to get back up on your feet to be able to work again and provide for your family,” he said. 

Sophomore Barakat Akinyele also believes that it can open opportunities for mothers to have their own life instead of being limited after birth. 

“I believe that this expansion is a good idea because in school we learn about how hard it is for many women to work and have families, it’s hard for them to balance both aspects of their life that they want,” she said. “This bill that was passed gives the mothers a bit of a relief knowing they have time to rest and recover.” 

With the numerous hardships women can face, Akinyele said that not only does the bill help people physically, it can also benefit entire families who want to be present for each other. 

“This passed bill allows more time for mothers to spend with their children and create a bond with them with having such a rushed timeline over their head,” she said. 

Miota further emphasizes general healthcare insurance should be accessible for all in the community. 

“More importantly, when we don’t have health insurance, people are much less likely to seek out the care they need,” she said. “This is more about ensuring that new moms get that care.”

This bill has left Akinyele hopeful for the next steps to further develop women’s healthcare. 

“Of course, it’s important to acknowledge that they may need more time than the twelve months,” she said. “However, this is a major improvement.”

by Yui Watanabe 

Published March 20, 2026

Oshkosh West Index Volume 122 Issue VI