How to Apply for Wisconsin Medicaid
Updated August 2026
Wisconsin accepts BadgerCare Plus applications online at access.wi.gov or through the MyACCESS mobile app. You can also apply by phone at 800-362-3002 or in person at your county human services agency.
Adults at 100%–400% FPL do not qualify for BadgerCare Plus
Wisconsin has not expanded Medicaid, so adults with income above 100% FPL are not eligible for BadgerCare Plus. If your income is between 100% and 400% FPL, you can apply for marketplace coverage at healthcare.gov and may qualify for advance premium tax credits. Call 800-362-3002 if you are unsure which program applies to you.
How to apply for BadgerCare Plus in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Department of Health Services processes BadgerCare Plus applications through county human services agencies. Per DHS, you can apply through any of these methods:
- Online — ACCESS portal: Apply at access.wi.gov 24/7. The portal handles BadgerCare Plus, FoodShare, and other Wisconsin benefit programs in one application. Available in English and Spanish.
- MyACCESS mobile app: Download the MyACCESS app (available for iOS and Android). You can apply, check benefits, get renewal reminders, submit documents, update your address, and view your digital ForwardHealth card from your phone. No need to visit a website or office for most transactions.
- By phone — ForwardHealth Member Services: Call 800-362-3002 for ForwardHealth Member Services. Staff can guide you through the application process, locate your county agency, and answer questions about eligibility. TTY: 888-701-1251.
- In person — county human services agency: Wisconsin processes BadgerCare Plus through county agencies. Find your local agency at dhs.wisconsin.gov/forwardhealth/imagency/index.htm or call 800-362-3002. Staff assist with paper applications, document verification, and complex cases.
What you need to apply
Per DHS's ForwardHealth Enrollment and Benefits Handbook (P-00079), Wisconsin verifies identity, residency, income, and household composition. Prepare the following:
- Full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number for each person applying
- Proof of Wisconsin residency — utility bill, lease, bank statement, or official mail at your current address
- Income documentation — recent pay stubs (30 days), employer letter, or most recent tax return if self-employed
- Immigration documents for non-citizen applicants (green card, visa, I-94, or work authorization)
- Current health insurance information for anyone in the household who is already covered
- For long-term care applications: medical documentation from a physician, plus financial records including bank accounts and property ownership
How long BadgerCare Plus takes to process
Under federal rules at 42 CFR 435.912, Wisconsin must decide most BadgerCare Plus applications within 45 days. Disability-related applications can take up to 90 days because they require a medical evaluation in addition to the financial review.
If approved, coverage begins the first day of the month you submitted your application. Pregnant applicants may be eligible for retroactive coverage going back three months. You will receive a ForwardHealth card and, if enrolled in a managed care HMO, a separate HMO member card.
Wisconsin Medicaid (ForwardHealth)
Visit the official Wisconsin Medicaid websiteRelated guides
How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →Approval Time
Federal processing deadlines and what affects your approval timeline.
Read more →