Gov. Tony Evers has signed Senate Bill 23 into law on Wednesday, March 18 at Children’s Wisconsin hospital in Milwaukee, delivering a long-sought expansion of healthcare coverage for new mothers across Wisconsin. The measure, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 102, extends postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to a full year. Wisconsin will be the 49th state to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage to a year.
The bill represents a key milestone for Evers, who has advocated for the policy since first proposing it in his 2019 state budget. Over the past seven years, the governor has repeatedly pushed the initiative as part of his “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies” agenda, calling on lawmakers to prioritize maternal and infant health.
Supporters say the extended coverage will help improve outcomes for both mothers and infants by ensuring access to care well beyond the immediate postpartum period. Data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services shows that nearly half of pregnancy-related deaths occur after birth, and most are considered preventable. Health officials also note that complications and mortality rates disproportionately affect Medicaid recipients and families of color.
In addition to expanding coverage, the law directs the state to seek federal approval to implement the change. Once approved, the extended benefits are expected to take effect July 1, 2026.