MADISON, Wis. — As the legislative session comes to a close, Democrats in the Wisconsin State Assembly are making a strong push to pass two crucial women’s health measures before the year ends.
On Wednesday, lawmakers introduced amendments to nearly every bill on the assembly calendar. These amendments aim to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage and mandate insurance coverage for secondary breast cancer screenings. They attached these proposals to a variety of bills, even those about amusement park regulations and fire suppression foam.
State Rep. Christine Sinicki, D-Milwaukee, expressed frustration on the Assembly floor, asking, “If you’re not going to take up these bills, then why are we here?” This sentiment underscores the urgency felt by many legislators.
Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton, also urged her colleagues to consider the amendments. She stressed the importance of discussing women’s health and the need to pass these bills to save lives. “If we care about people’s lives, we need to talk about these bills,” she said.
In December, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos expressed skepticism about expanding welfare, arguing that Wisconsin already has a robust social safety net. He questioned the necessity of these new measures. Meanwhile, Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August, R-Walworth, stated that discussions about scheduling these bills are still ongoing.
One notable proposal, often referred to as “Gail’s Law,” would require insurance companies to cover secondary screenings for women with dense breast tissue or other high-risk factors. Snodgrass championed this law, emphasizing that women have the right to know about potential breast cancer risks. Although this bill passed almost unanimously in the state Senate, it has yet to be scheduled for a vote in the Assembly.
The dilemma surrounding these bills highlights a broader trend in women’s health advocacy. A recent survey found that nearly 70% of women believe that access to healthcare, especially during and after pregnancy, should be a priority for lawmakers. This public sentiment reflects a growing awareness of women’s health issues.
Experts suggest that improving postpartum healthcare can lead to better maternal health outcomes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression, making access to adequate support and screening essential.
Thursday marks the Assembly’s last scheduled meeting of the year, and many are hopeful that discussions will lead to meaningful action on these vital health measures.
For more insights on healthcare policies and their impacts, you can check the CDC’s website here.
Source link
Wisconsin legislature,Vanessa Kjeldsen,Wisconsin,Democrats,postpartum Medicaid expansion,Gail's Law
