Senate Bill 23 aims to extend the eligibility period for postpartum women under the Medical Assistance program in Wisconsin. Currently, postpartum women are eligible for benefits until the last day of the month following the 60th day after the end of their pregnancy. This bill proposes to extend that eligibility to the last day of the month in which the 365th day after the pregnancy ends falls, contingent upon approval from the federal Department of Health and Human Services. The bill amends several sections of the statutes to reflect this change, specifically altering the language to replace the current 90-day limit with the proposed 365-day limit.

The amendments affect various sections of the statutes, including 49.46 (1) (a) 1m., 49.46 (1) (j), 49.47 (4) (ag) 2., 49.471 (6) (b), and 49.471 (7) (b) 1. Each of these sections will now reference the new 365-day eligibility period instead of the previous 90-day limit. This legislative change is part of an ongoing effort to enhance healthcare access for postpartum women, recognizing the importance of extended support during the critical year following childbirth.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 49.46(1)(a)1m, 49.46, 49.46(1)(j), 49.47(4)(ag)2, 49.47, 49.471(6)(b), 49.471, 49.471(7)(b)1