MADISON, Wis. – Just one month into the legislative session, patients from across Wisconsin, as well as the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and the American Lung Association– two of Wisconsin’s leading patient advocacy organizations – are urging Wisconsin lawmakers to advance legislation that would extend postpartum Medicaid health care coverage for new moms.
Maternal morbidity and mortality are serious public health concerns. In Wisconsin, 73% of pregnancy-related deaths occur postpartum.
“Wisconsin is one of only two states that has not extended postpartum Medicaid health care coverage for new moms. We will be working with lawmakers to ensure Wisconsin joins the 48 other states that have extended postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months, a policy that has overwhelming support in our state. We are excited about the bipartisan support for this bill and are excited to see a public hearing is already scheduled in the Senate Health committee next week. We are hopeful that the Assembly will follow with their own committee hearing very soon,” said Sara Sahli, Wisconsin government relations director for ACS CAN.
“The death of a new mother represents not only the loss of a woman’s life, but has a lasting impact on her new baby, her family and her community,” said Molly Collins, advocacy director for the American Lung Association. “Additionally, increased risk of health complications have lasting health consequences and result in avoidable medical expenses. This reinforces that action is needed to improve health outcomes for mothers, which in turn improves outcomes for babies. We’re incredibly grateful for Senators James and Felzkowski and Representatives Snyder and Rodriguez for introducing this legislation and we call on legislators to prioritize this policy. It says something important that 21 Senators and 66 members of the Assembly in total have cosponsored this legislation. We don’t see that type of support for many proposals, which just speaks to its relevance and importance to Wisconsinites.”
This legislation would extend the amount of time a new mom could receive this healthcare benefit, from 60 days after giving birth to one full year. Comprehensive and uninterrupted postpartum care will help avoid preventable health complications and promote a healthy future for both mother and baby.
###
About the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future.