Medicaid Income Limits in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has not expanded Medicaid. A parent or caretaker is measured against roughly 100% of the federal poverty level — about $2,152 a month for a household of three — and adults without children are covered to about 100% of poverty.
2026 BadgerCare Plus Income Limits in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has not expanded Medicaid
Wisconsin did not take the ACA expansion, but it does cover adults without children up to about 100% of the federal poverty level through BadgerCare Plus.
Monthly and annual income limits in Wisconsin at 100% of the federal poverty level, the level a parent or caretaker adult is measured against. Medicaid counts modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) for this group, so pre-tax retirement contributions and some deductions reduce the income that counts.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income 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 |
Source: state Medicaid eligibility levels as most recently published (2024); states may revise them. Children, pregnant women, people who are 65+, blind or disabled, and people needing long-term care are measured against different rules — usually higher income limits, and for the last group an asset test as well.
Where to Apply in Wisconsin
- Agency: Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Online: ACCESS Wisconsin
- Phone: 800-362-3002
- Program name in Wisconsin: BadgerCare Plus
Agency details change; confirm on the state website before you call or apply.
Understanding These Limits
- Annual Limit: Your total household income for the year must be at or below this amount.
- Monthly Limit: Your monthly income (annual divided by 12) must be at or below this amount.
- Household Size: Count yourself, your spouse, and all dependents living with you.
- Income Counted: Generally includes wages, self-employment, Social Security, pensions, and other regular income before taxes.
- MAGI household: Medicaid counts your tax household — you, your spouse and anyone you claim as a dependent — not simply the people living with you.
Medicaid in Wisconsin: Common 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 Income Limits in Other States
Whether a state expanded Medicaid changes the income limit from 138% of poverty to as little as 15%.