Every state has a Medicaid program. Many states simply refer to it as “Medicaid”, while other states give it a friendlier name. In Wisconsin, the Medicaid program is called ForwardHealth. The state also has a BadgerCare program.
Medicaid is a public, or government run, form of health insurance. It is designed to provide health insurance coverage for individuals and families who are low-income and who cannot afford to purchase a health plan from a private insurance company. Medicaid is funded, in part, by the federal government. It is also funded by the government of an individual state.
In Wisconsin, the Medicaid program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The state calls its Medicaid program ForwardHealth. It also has another health program called BadgerCare.
There are many parts to Wisconsin’s Medicaid program, and each is designed to cover a specific group. Wisconsin is among the states that accepted a grant to get their health insurance exchanges up and running.
To be eligible for ForwardHealth, a person must be a United States citizen or a legal immigrant. The person must be age 65 or older, blind, or disabled. The person must also have a family income that is at or below the monthly program limit. The state will enroll you into the Medicaid plan you are eligible for based upon your income, assets, and the type of care that you need.
BadgerCare Plus is another state health care program. It is for people who are not elderly, blind, or disabled, and who are in need of health care coverage. The BadgerCare Plus program covers a variety of needs.
A person who wants to know if he or she is eligible for BadgerCare Plus must start by logging into ACCESS. This portal is the starting point for people who want to apply for state health care programs, nutrition programs, or child care programs. It is also possible to apply by phone, or by mail. Another option is to apply in person, by visiting the office for your county.
Part of BadgerCare includes the Core Plan. It is a health care plan for adults who do not have dependent children. Enrollment in this plan has been suspended because there are more people who have applied for it than the program can help.
Those who are eligible for it have been placed into the BadgerCare Plus Basic Plan. It is a limited benefit health care plan for people who are on the waiting list for the Core Plan. New members will no longer be added to this plan. However, those who are currently on it will continue to receive services.
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