Wisconsin poised to leave Arkansas as only state without expanded Medicaid for new moms

Wisconsin Republicans who long blocked a bipartisan measure to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage plan to pass the measure following pressure from Democrats

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin Republicans who long blocked a bipartisan measure to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage planned to pass the measure on Thursday, which would leave Arkansas as the only state yet to expand Medicaid coverage for women a year after giving birth.

Wisconsin Democrats, and even most Republicans, have pushed for years to expand Medicaid coverage for new mothers, only to be blocked by powerful Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. Vos had argued that he opposed expanding welfare programs, but he relented late Wednesday.

The Assembly was slated on Thursday to approve both the Medicaid expansion and another bill with bipartisan support to require insurance to cover additional cancer screenings for women with dense breast tissue.

Both measures overwhelming passed the state Senate already, meaning they will next go to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers who is expected to sign them next week.

Once that happens, Arkansas will be the only state without expanded Medicaid coverage for new mothers.