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 in which the 60th day after the end of their pregnancy falls. This bill proposes to extend that eligibility to the last day of the month in which the 365th day after the last day of the pregnancy 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, including provisions that outline eligibility criteria based on income and medical verification.

The proposed amendments replace the previous reference to the 90th day with the new 365th day in multiple sections of the statutes, ensuring that all relevant eligibility criteria for postpartum women are updated accordingly. This change is intended to provide longer support for postpartum women who are eligible for Medical Assistance, thereby improving access to necessary health services during a critical period 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