Wisconsin Assembly passes Gail’s Law, postpartum Medicaid expansion

MADISON, Wis. (Gray) - The Wisconsin Assembly overwhelmingly passed two bipartisan women’s health bills on its final day in session.

Gail’s Law, which requires insurance companies to cover secondary breast cancer screenings for women with dense breast tissue, passed unanimously. The Assembly also passed a postpartum Medicaid expansion bill 95-1, extending coverage from two months to up to a year after birth.

Gail’s Law was inspired by Gail Zeamer, a Neenah woman who advocated for the legislation before her death from breast cancer in 2024.

“Gail’s Law takes important steps that will help children keep their moms,” said state Rep. Amanda Nedweski, R-Pleasant Prairie.

Zeamer’s family watched from the gallery Thursday as lawmakers approved the measure.

“You didn’t give up. You didn’t take no for an answer. And you won,” said state Rep. Robyn Vining, D-Wauwatosa.

Wisconsin also moved one step closer to becoming the 49th state to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage on Thursday.

The bill extends postpartum Medicaid coverage from the current two months to up to a year after birth.

“We’ve come a long way. Let’s do the right things for moms and babies and keep building on this progress,” said State Rep. Lisa Subeck, D-Madison.

The postpartum Medicaid expansion came after years of advocacy efforts. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who previously blocked the postpartum legislation, voted in favor of it Thursday after announcing he won’t seek re-election this fall.

“So folks this is not about politics. It’s about people,” said state Rep. Pat Snyder, R-Weston.

The bills have already passed in the state Senate and will now head to Gov. Tony Evers’ desk for final approval. He is expected to sign them sometime next week.

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