WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - A bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing to expand Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers in Wisconsin, one of only two states that have yet to implement the Medicaid extension.

Currently, mothers can lose their coverage after 60 days if they don't otherwise qualify for Medicaid. Advocates argue that period is insufficient for postpartum recovery and puts new mothers at risk.

"Sixty days just isn't enough time," Rep. Patrick Snyder (R-Weston) said.

Postpartum women can face many health complications including fatigue, hormonal shifts, and depression.

"The period immediately following birth, especially the first few months, is a time of high risk for some women," Dr. Lisa Hanson, associate director of Marquette University's nurse-midwifery program, said. "The (Medicaid) expansion would allow better access to healthcare during what can be a vulnerable time."

Dr.Hanson said postpartum recovery is a long-term process.

"Most women will say that it takes a good year before they feel like themselves," she said.

That's why Rep. Snyder co-authored a bill to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to one year, aligning Wisconsin with most other states.

"We have to take advantage of getting medical care out to these women and make sure they're there for their baby," Rep. Snyder said. "If they would die, that's already trauma being put into that baby's life."

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the state's Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM) rate increased significantly between 2016 and 2023. SMM refers to unexpected labor-related complications that result in serious health consequences, often occurring after the 60-day Medicaid cutoff.

Nationally, among pregnancy-related deaths with information on timing, 22 percent of deaths occurred during pregnancy, 25 percent occurred on the day of delivery or within seven days after, and 53 percent occurred between seven days to one year after pregnancy.

"A lot of times, there are deaths between five and nine months," Rep.Snyder said. "For white women, the top cause of death is suicide. For Black women, it's cardiovascular issues."

Dr.Hanson emphasized the importance of ensuring new mothers have continued access to medical care.

"The idea that an individual who has given birth can access their provider is very important so they don't fall through the cracks," she said.

The bill may face a challenge in becoming law this session because of Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. Last month, he said it was "unlikely" the bill would become law this session.

"At least he didn't say no. In other bills, he'll say no or DOA (dead on arrival), but at least this time he said 'unlikely,'" Rep.Snyder said. "I still think there's a chance when talking with him and talking to my caucus, that he might be persuaded to at least get it to the health committee (and) let it get a vote. He can still vote no himself but we just need to get it to the health committee. So, I hope he does that."

The bill could go before the Senate as soon as next week. Rep.Snyder said he wouldn't be surprised to see it pass before the end of the month.