Assembly Bill 97 seeks to amend existing statutes related to the Medical Assistance program in Wisconsin, specifically extending eligibility for postpartum women. The bill mandates that the Department of Health Services (DHS) request approval from the federal Department of Health and Human Services to extend Medical Assistance benefits for eligible women from the current limit of 60 days after pregnancy to 365 days. This change builds upon a previous requirement from 2021 Wisconsin Act 58, which had already extended the coverage to 90 days.

The proposed amendments include changes to several sections of the statutes, specifically replacing references to the 90th day with the 365th day after the last day of pregnancy. This adjustment is reflected in multiple sections, 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., ensuring that postpartum women maintain their eligibility for Medical Assistance benefits for a full year after childbirth, regardless of changes in family income.

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