MADISON, Wis. – “As lawmakers close the 2025/2026 legislative session, patient advocates are celebrating victories in the fight against cancer. After years of advocacy from volunteers, caregivers and medical professionals, we were thrilled to see the legislature pass Gail’s Law and extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to new moms.
“This session we, at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), are so grateful to our volunteer advocates for their years of tireless efforts and to the legislature for their bipartisan work to pass bills that improve access, early detection, and cancer care.
“With the passage of Gail’s Law, more women in Wisconsin will no longer face barriers to access life-saving supplemental breast imaging simply because they cannot afford it. We also celebrate the bipartisan work to make Wisconsin the 49th state to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months. Comprehensive and uninterrupted postpartum care will help avoid preventable health complications and promote a healthy future for both mother and baby.
“Legislators play a key role in reducing the burden of cancer for people in their districts through budget and policy decisions. Because, 42,140 Wisconsinites will hear the words ‘you have cancer’ in 2026, our work is far from over. Much remains to be done when it comes to tobacco control and expanding access to quality, affordable health care. ACS CAN, our volunteers and our board members will continue to share our stories, engage in conversations and educate lawmakers on solutions that will help end cancer as we know it, for everyone.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.