For Release: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Contact: Emily Miota, 262-853-6863
Today, the Wisconsin state assembly voted to ensure that new moms on Medicaid have health insurance for a year after giving birth, instead of the current 60 days. Wisconsin will soon become the 49th state to extend postpartum coverage for one year.
This is a huge, long overdue victory for women and families across the state.
“Tonight is a victory for Wisconsin moms, families, and advocates across the state who refused to stop pushing for dignity, care, and justice. Because women shared their stories, and organizations like the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, the Black Maternal & Child Health Alliance, and Kids Forward amplified them, Wisconsin listened. Extended Medicaid for moms means lives will be healthier, safer, and more secure,” shared Alia Stevenson, Deputy Director.
New moms are especially at risk of serious health conditions, including hemorrhage and cardiomyopathy. Nearly three out of every four pregnancy-related deaths occur after giving birth and the vast majority of those deaths are preventable. Rural women and Black women continue to bear the brunt of this broken, inadequate health care system.
Extending postpartum coverage will make sure more parents have the coverage and care they need, and help improve maternal and child health outcomes for every Wisconsin mother, regardless of what zip code they live in.
“We applaud everyone that voted in support of this critical measure,” said William Parke-Sutherland, Government Affairs Director. “Special thanks to Representative Pat Snyder who has championed this legislation since early 2025. We also recognize the legislators who have been working tirelessly for many years. The bill was first introduced in 2019. It’s taken far too long, but today is a good day for moms enrolled in Medicaid and for our state as a whole.”
The bill will now go to Gov Evers desk, who has already promised to sign it.
