Medicaid in
Wisconsin
Wisconsin has not expanded Medicaid. Parents qualify for BadgerCare Plus at roughly 100% of the federal poverty level — about $2,152 a month for three people — and most adults without children cannot qualify at any income.
Who Qualifies for BadgerCare Plus in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has not expanded Medicaid
Wisconsin did not take the ACA expansion, but BadgerCare Plus does cover adults without children up to about 100% of the federal poverty level.
| Household Size | Monthly Limit | Annual Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,255 | $15,060 |
| 2 people | $1,703 | $20,440 |
| 3 people | $2,152 | $25,820 |
| 4 people | $2,600 | $31,200 |
| 5 people | $3,048 | $36,580 |
| 6 people | $3,497 | $41,960 |
| 7 people | $3,945 | $47,340 |
| 8 people | $4,393 | $52,720 |
Limits shown at 100% of the federal poverty level for Wisconsin — the level a parent or caretaker adult is measured against. Source: state Medicaid eligibility levels as most recently published (2024); states may revise them. Children, pregnant women and people who are 65+, blind or disabled use different and generally higher limits.
Eligibility Requirements
Here's what you need to qualify for Medicaid in Wisconsin.
Income Limit
$2,152/mo for a household of three (100% FPL)
Adults Without Children
Covered in Wisconsin up to 100% of the federal poverty level
Citizenship
U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or qualified non-citizen
Non-expansion states limit adults to ~100% FPL.
Required Documents
Have these ready before you start your Medicaid application.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for Medicaid in Wisconsin.
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents listed above before starting.
Submit your application
Apply online through ACCESS Wisconsin, or by phone at 800-362-3002. Wisconsin Department of Health Services handles Wisconsin applications.
Wait for processing
Processing takes 15–45 days. Keep copies of everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Wisconsin in 2026?
Wisconsin has not expanded Medicaid, so the limit is far lower than the 138% of poverty used by expansion states. A parent or caretaker in Wisconsin is measured against roughly 100% of the federal poverty level — about $2,152 a month for a household of three. Wisconsin does cover adults without children up to about 100% of poverty through BadgerCare Plus.
Can I get Medicaid in Wisconsin if I have no children?
Yes — Wisconsin is unusual among non-expansion states in covering childless adults, up to about 100% of the federal poverty level through BadgerCare Plus.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Wisconsin?
Apply for BadgerCare Plus online through ACCESS Wisconsin at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/badgercareplus, run by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, or by phone at 800-362-3002. Medicaid has no open-enrolment window — you can apply any day of the year, and coverage can be backdated up to three months if you were eligible then.
How long does Wisconsin take to approve Medicaid?
15–45 days is the normal range. Federal rules give Wisconsin 45 days to decide most applications and 90 days when a disability determination is required. Coverage, once granted, is generally backdated to the first day of the month you applied.
What if I earn too much for Medicaid in Wisconsin?
Children are covered at much higher incomes than adults everywhere — Wisconsin covers children through Medicaid and CHIP well above the adult limit, so apply for them separately even if you are denied. Pregnancy coverage also uses a higher limit. Above those, a Marketplace plan with a premium tax credit is the next step, and people who are 65+ or on Medicare should check the Medicare Savings Programs instead.
Medicaid in Other States
Whether a state expanded Medicaid changes the adult income limit from 138% of poverty to as little as 15%.