On March 18, Governor Tony Evers signed Wisconsin Act 102 (SB 23/AB97) extending Medicaid coverage from the previous limit of 60 days to 12 months postpartum for birthing parents. The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and many partners and lawmakers, have been advocating for this extension for several years. Betsy Peterson, MD, assistant professor in the Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and Wisconsin AAP chapter president, attended the signing of the bill.
Peterson said this Medicaid coverage ensures that new babies can be cared for by a parent with stable health insurance, a benefit that greatly increases the likelihood of appropriate medical care. Early identification and treatment of postpartum complications, such as a new mother’s depression and newborn cardiac conditions, significantly improve mothers’ and babies’ health and allow for safer, effective care.
Above, in the photo, left to right: Kia Kjensrud, Wisconsin AAP executive director; Betsy Peterson, MD, Department of Pediatrics faculty member and Wisconsin AAP chapter president; Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers; and William Parke-Sunderland, Wisconsin Kids Forward government affairs director.
Above, in the photo, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signs Wisconsin Act 102.