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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has requested public comment on a draft waiver request to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 to 90 days. Submit your written comments on the proposed changes now through Friday, May 6, 2022. Written statements can be submitted via mail, fax, or email.
Email:
dhspostpartumcoverage1115waiver@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Mail:
Department of Health Services
Division of Medicaid Services
Attn: Wisconsin 1115 Postpartum Coverage Waiver
PO Box 309
Madison, WI 53707-0309
Fax:
(608) 266-1096
Don't have a fax machine? You can easily send free faxes via FaxZero.
The Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Care drafted a sample statement about the Medicaid expansion, which supporters are welcome to use in their communications with DHS:
"I am writing to express my firm support for extending postpartum Medicaid coverage from the current coverage period of 60 days to 90 days postpartum. As a member the Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Care and a perinatal professional in Wisconsin, I have a duty to my patients to advocate for change which removes barriers to high quality perinatal care.
An astounding 73% of Wisconsin’s pregnancy-related deaths occurred up to one year postpartum, according to the most recent report from Wisconsin’s Maternal Mortality Review Team. Among deaths of birthing people enrolled in Medicaid at the time of their death, it is alarming and deeply troubling that 97% of these deaths were preventable. While we need to do much more to address this disparity, extending Medicaid coverage from 60 to 90 days postpartum is a step in the right direction for Wisconsin families.
As a perinatal professional in Wisconsin, I am proud to add my voice to the many healthcare providers urging you to vote to extend Medicaid coverage to at least 90 days postpartum."
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