BadgerCare Plus (Wisconsin Medicaid)
Last updated August 2026
BadgerCare Plus is Wisconsin's Medicaid, full health coverage for residents from birth through age 64 with low income. There is no open enrollment period, so you can apply any time, and the only way to know if you qualify is to apply. The easiest route is online through ACCESS at access.wisconsin.gov, and the same application screens for FoodShare and other help too.
Here is the fact that surprises people: Wisconsin did not adopt Medicaid expansion, but it did not leave a coverage gap either. Adults, including childless adults, qualify up to 100 percent of the federal poverty level. Effective February 2026 that is $1,330 a month for one person, $1,803 for two, $2,277 for three, $2,750 for four. If you were told there was no coverage for adults like you in Wisconsin, that is wrong.
Children and pregnant people reach far higher: up to 306 percent of poverty, which is $4,070 a month for one, $8,415 for a family of four. Coverage is free up to the 201 percent line; above that, children can still enroll with modest premiums before the 306 percent ceiling. A working parent should apply for the kids even when the adult limit is out of reach.
Coverage is broad: doctor visits, prescriptions, urgent and emergency care, lab tests, pregnancy and family planning, mental health, assisted living, and medically tailored meals. After enrolling you use a ForwardHealth card at your providers.
Applying for or getting BadgerCare Plus does not affect a noncitizen's immigration status. Only cash assistance and Medicaid-paid long-term care factor into public-charge decisions, so ordinary health coverage is safe to use.
One duty keeps coverage alive: DHS rechecks your household, income, assets, and insurance every year, so keep your information current through ACCESS or the MyACCESS app. A pregnancy or a lost job is always a reason to apply or reapply, whatever the last answer was.
Phone 1-800-362-3002
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Wisconsin residents ages 0 to 64 who meet the income rules for their group; children, pregnant people, parents, and other adults each have their own pathway
- Income limits vary by household and situation, so apply even if you were turned down before
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply anytime at access.wisconsin.gov; there is no enrollment window.
- 2
Have proof of identity, income, and Wisconsin residency ready.
- 3
If approved, use your ForwardHealth card and keep your details current in ACCESS.
- 4
Complete the yearly renewal so coverage does not lapse.
What to have ready
- Photo ID and dates of birth for those applying
- Proof of income and Wisconsin residency
- Immigration information where it applies; using coverage does not affect status.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Can childless adults get BadgerCare Plus?
Yes. Wisconsin covers adults, including childless adults, up to 100 percent of poverty ($1,330 a month for one person in 2026). There is no coverage gap despite the state not adopting expansion.
What about coverage for kids and pregnant people?
They qualify up to 306 percent of poverty, about $4,070 a month for one and $8,415 for a family of four. Coverage is free to 201 percent; above that, kids pay modest premiums.
When can I apply?
Any time. There is no open enrollment period. Apply online at access.wisconsin.gov, and the only way to know if you qualify is to apply.
Does it affect my immigration status?
No. BadgerCare Plus does not affect a noncitizen's immigration status. Only cash assistance and Medicaid-paid long-term care are public-charge relevant.
What do I have to do to keep it?
DHS rechecks your household, income, assets, and insurance each year. Keep your information current in ACCESS or the MyACCESS app and complete the annual renewal.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all Wisconsin programs →Free · Private · No account needed