Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) Legislation (Read Full Doctor Day Paper) – Legislation currently pending in the 2023-2024 state legislature (Senate Bill 145 and Assembly Bill 154) will allow certain advanced practice nurses (APRNs) full independent practice, meaning the state will not require supervisory or collaborative relationships with physicians. This is a fundamental change to the physician-led, team-based system currently benefiting Wisconsin patients.

Physician groups support sensible modifications to the legislation that will ensure a more measured entry into this new
health care environment. These suggestions are consistent with those raised last session for a similar proposal – suggestions
that were not adopted, leading Governor Tony Evers to veto that bill.

​​

​

Extending Medicaid Coverage for New Moms to One Year Post-Partum (Read Full Doctor Day Paper)  – Wisconsin Medicaid covers pregnant women up to 60 days postpartum, if they meet certain eligibility requirements.

Federal law allows states to adopt a 12-month postpartum coverage period for Medicaid-eligible pregnant women. Currently
47 states have either implemented or are planning to implement 12-month postpartum coverage for new mothers. This
includes Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, Louisiana, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, Kentucky,
Missouri, and Colorado, to name a few.

2021 Wisconsin Act 58 required the Department of Health Services to request a federal waiver to extend postpartum
eligibility for pregnant women to 90 days. Until such request is approved, or if the request is denied, postpartum eligibility in
Wisconsin will continue to end at 60 days postpartum. This means that without further state or federal action Medicaid-eligible
pregnant women whose household income is above 100% of the federal poverty limit (FPL) become ineligible for Medicaid
coverage 60 days after giving birth. 100% of FPL for a family of two is $19,720.

Senate Bill 110 and Assembly Bill 114 is sponsored by Senator Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan), Senator Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma),
Representative Donna Rozar (R-Marshfield) and Representative Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc). Senate Bill 110 and Assembly Bill
114 will improve maternal and child health outcomes and align coverage for both the mother and baby

​

​