How to Apply for Medicaid in Wisconsin 2026 (BadgerCare Plus): Eligibility & Documents
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Looking for Medicaid in Wisconsin? In Wisconsin, Medicaid is BadgerCare Plus. Here is who may qualify, how to apply, and the documents you need – with links to the official Wisconsin sources.
Quick answer
To apply for Medicaid in Wisconsin (BadgerCare Plus): Apply through ACCESS online, by phone, or at your local agency – ACCESS covers BadgerCare Plus, FoodShare, and other programs. It is free to apply.
What this program helps with
BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid) provides free or low-cost health coverage – doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, preventive care, and more – to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Who may qualify
Eligibility is based on your income (a percentage of the federal poverty level), household size, and category. Children, pregnant people, and many low-income adults qualify, and the income limits are higher for children and pregnant people. You must be a Wisconsin resident and a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen. Wisconsin sets the exact income limits with the federal government – check the official site below for the current figures; we do not list dollar amounts here.
How to apply
In Wisconsin, Medicaid includes BadgerCare Plus. Apply through ACCESS online, by phone, or at your local agency – ACCESS covers BadgerCare Plus, FoodShare, and other programs. The agency verifies your income and household before approving coverage.
Documents you may need
Have ready: photo ID, Social Security numbers for the household members applying, proof of income, proof of Wisconsin residency, and immigration documents if they apply. Bring copies and keep your originals.
What to expect
Applications are usually processed within about 45 days (longer if a disability determination is needed). If you are approved, coverage may be backdated to cover recent medical bills in some cases. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal. Renew each year to keep your coverage, and report changes when they happen.
Official website / application link
Wisconsin ForwardHealth – apply for benefits, Wisconsin ACCESS (apply), Medicaid.gov, and Benefits.gov. Applying is free through the official agency – never pay a third party.
Other Wisconsin benefits & related guides
- Back to the Medicaid by-state hub
- Wisconsin SNAP / food stamps
- Benefits eligibility quick-check
- Documents you need to apply
Compare Medicaid in more states
California · Texas · Florida · New York · Illinois · Virginia · Washington · Tennessee.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid free?
For most people, BadgerCare Plus has no monthly premium and little or no cost for covered care. Some groups may have small copays – the official site explains any costs.
Can I have Medicaid and other coverage?
In some cases yes – for example, people with Medicare may also get BadgerCare Plus help. Report any other coverage when you apply.
Last reviewed July 2026 by the GlobalBenefits editorial team. GlobalBenefits is not a government agency; income limits and dates are set by the official agencies above and can change – always confirm there. See our corrections policy.