Wisconsin Extends Postpartum Medicaid Coverage to 12 Months

Overview

• The law took effect Wednesday, July 1, 2026, expanding BadgerCare Plus coverage from 60 days to 12 months after childbirth.
• Wisconsin Medicaid will automatically extend coverage for members who are currently pregnant or were within 60 days postpartum so they receive a full year of care.
• The Department of Health Services estimates the change will help more than 16,000 Wisconsin mothers in the first year.
• State health officials and advocates say the extension addresses gaps in mental-health and continuity of care as nearly half of the state’s pregnancy-related deaths occur after 60 days and most are considered preventable.
• Wisconsin is the 49th state to adopt the 12-month postpartum benefit and officials will track claims and health outcomes to measure effects such as lower maternal deaths, reduced short-interval pregnancies, and changes in infant health.