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, 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 postpartum women maintain their Medical Assistance benefits for a significantly longer period. This change is intended to provide better support for new mothers during the critical postpartum phase, recognizing the importance of continued healthcare access during this time. The bill reflects a broader commitment to improving maternal health outcomes in Wisconsin.

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