
Wisconsin Medicare Supplement plans are much different from the standard letter plans available through most of the nation. The program in this state includes a Basic Plan with the option of riders. State laws require Medigap insurance carriers to cover specific benefits in addition to the primary coverage.
Full Answer
What is the Medicaid waiver extension and amendment?
The state has an FAQ page about the waiver extension and amendment. The approved changes include: A Medicaid premium of $8 per month for childless adults with household income between 51 and 100 percent of the poverty level (for a single individual, that’s income between $6,507 and $12,760 in 2020).
What would happen to Wisconsin if they expanded Medicaid?
According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Wisconsin’s direct costs for Medicaid would drop by nearly 7 percent if the state expanded Medicaid, despite the fact that more people would be covered. Who is eligible for Medicaid in Wisconsin? BadgerCare Medicaid is available for the following legally present Wisconsin residents
What supplemental coverage is available for Medicare beneficiaries in Wisconsin?
Medicare beneficiaries in Wisconsin looking for supplemental coverage have a few options. These include the Wisconsin Basic Plan, which covers certain Part A and Part B coinsurance/copayment costs; the first three pints of blood used each year; and state-mandated benefits.
How long does Medicare coverage last after disability extension?
On October 1, 2000, a new law extended Medicare coverage for an additional 4 1/2 years beyond the current limit. This law is for people who receive Social Security disability benefits and who go to work.
What is Medicare Advantage in Wisconsin?
What is Medicare for seniors?
What is a Medigap policy?
Is Wisconsin a Medicare carrier?
Does Medicare cover prescription drug costs?
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About this website

Does Wisconsin have Medicare expansion?
Wisconsin is the only non-Medicaid-expansion state that does not have a coverage gap; all low-income residents either have access to Medicaid or subsidies to help them purchase private coverage in the exchange. Premium subsidies in the marketplace are only available if a person's income is at least the poverty level.
Can Medicare be extended?
More Information. On October 1, 2000, a new law extended Medicare coverage for an additional 4 1/2 years beyond the current limit. This law is for people who receive Social Security disability benefits and who go to work. Under this law, how long will I get to keep Medicare if I return to work?
What is Medicare extension?
Medicare expansion refers to broadening the benefits of the program, as the parts in which beneficiaries enroll through the government provide limited coverage. Throughout the years, extensions of the program have been uncommon, with one of the most notable instances being coverage of disabled individuals under 65.
What is the grace period for Medicare?
Under rules issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), consumers will get a 90-day grace period to pay their outstanding premiums before insurers are permitted to drop their coverage.
When Medicare runs out what happens?
If you have used your 90 days of hospital coverage but need to stay longer, Medicare covers up to 60 additional lifetime reserve days, for which you will pay a daily coinsurance. These days are nonrenewable, meaning you will not get them back when you become eligible for another benefit period.
How Long Does Medicare pay for nursing home care?
100 daysMedicare covers care in a SNF up to 100 days in a benefit period if you continue to meet Medicare's requirements.
What are the pros and cons of Medicaid expansion?
List of Medicaid Expansion ProsNot every low-income individual actually qualifies for Medicaid. ... Expansion would support local economies. ... It offers people a level of financial protection. ... Medicaid expansion drops the uninsured rate. ... The cost of expansion is minimal for the states.More items...•
What are the proposed Medicare changes?
The annual Part B deductible will be $233 this year, an increase of $30. For Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalizations, hospice care and some nursing facility and home health services, the inpatient deductible that enrollees must pay for each hospital admission will be $1,556, an increase of $72 over 2021.
How many states have not expanded Medicaid?
12 statesNonexpansion states include 12 states that have not expanded Medicaid: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Data: Urban Institute's Health Insurance Policy Simulation Model (HIPSM), 2021.
What does 90 day grace period mean?
A short period — usually 90 days — after your monthly health insurance payment is due. If you haven't made your payment, you may do so during the grace period and avoid losing your health coverage.
Can you lose Medicare benefits?
Yes, if you qualify for Medicare by disability or health problem, you could lose your Medicare eligibility. If you qualify for Medicare by age, you cannot lose your Medicare eligibility.
How do I get my $144 back from Medicare?
Even though you're paying less for the monthly premium, you don't technically get money back. Instead, you just pay the reduced amount and are saving the amount you'd normally pay. If your premium comes out of your Social Security check, your payment will reflect the lower amount.
Medigap: Supplemental Insurance If You Have Medicare
Known as Medigap, supplemental insurance policies cover expenses not paid for by Medicare. It is important to shop around for a Medigap policy. Und...
Medicare Advantage: Medicare Managed Care Plans
In some parts of Wisconsin, people covered by Medicare can receive their benefits through a managed care plan. 1. Medicare Advantage Plans in Wisco...
Medicare and Prescription Drug Coverage
People with Medicare can enroll in plans that cover some prescription drug costs. Medicare provides the following resources to help you choose a Pa...
2022 Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare in Wisconsin
PI-002 (R 3/2022) 6 . care for the terminally ill. It does not pay for your personal (custodial) care, such as help with eating, dressing, or moving around.
Medicare | Wisconsin Department of Health Services
The videos listed on this page will help you learn more about Medicare and the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).. Get help with Medicare from SHIP. SHIPs Help with Navigating the Maze of Medicare (1 minute)
Provider Search | Wisconsin Department of Health Services
The Provider Search tool provides an easy and fast method for consumers to find health and residential care providers in Wisconsin that are regulated by the Department of Health Services, Division of Quality Assurance (DQA).. Using Provider Search Step One – Display Provider Search and enter search criteria. To get started enter the Provider Search application and select a county (a city may ...
Contact Medicare | Medicare
Phone 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) For specific billing questions and questions about your claims, medical records, or expenses, log into your secure Medicare account, or call us at 1-800-MEDICARE.. If you want Medicare to be able to give your personal information to someone other than you, you need to fill out an "Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information."
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About Medicare in Wisconsin
Learn More To learn about Medicare plans you may be eligible for, you can:. Contact the Medicare plan directly. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY users 1-877-486-2048; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact a licensed insurance agency such as eHealth, which runs Medicare.com as a non-government website.
What is Wisconsin's Medicare Supplement?
What makes Wisconsin unique is the availability of Medicare Supplement Insurance. It is one of just three states to offer its own version of it. Most states can offer up to 10 standardized plans, meaning that plan coverage details do not change no matter where they are purchased. Medicare beneficiaries in Wisconsin looking for supplemental coverage have a few options. These include the Wisconsin Basic Plan, which covers certain Part A and Part B coinsurance/copayment costs; the first three pints of blood used each year; and state-mandated benefits. The Basic Plan also provides additional mental health and home health care coverage beyond what Original Medicare pays for.
How to apply for medicare in Wisconsin?
You can visit your local Social Security Administration office or contact them either by phone or online to complete the enrollment process.
What is Medicare Advantage Plan?
Medicare Advantage plans, Part C, are available through private insurance companies and must cover at least the same level of coverage as Part A and Part B (with the exception of hospice care). Some plans may include other benefits, like routine vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must ...
What is Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Supplement insurance plans, known also as Medigap, are policies that cover some of the out-of-pocket costs surrounding Original Medicare. A Medicare Supplement policy may cover expenses such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
How long do you have to be a resident to qualify for Medicare?
To apply for Medicare, you must be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident of at least five continuous years. You’re generally eligible when you are 65 or older, but you may qualify under 65 through disability or having certain conditions. You can manually enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, the seven-month period that starts three months before you turn 65, includes the month of your 65th birthday, and ends three months later.
How long does it take to enroll in Medicare?
You can manually enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, the seven-month period that starts three months before you turn 65 , includes the month of your 65th birthday, and ends three months later. Others may be enrolled automatically.
What is Wisconsin Basic Plan?
These include the Wisconsin Basic Plan, which covers certain Part A and Part B coinsurance/copayment costs; the first three pints of blood used each year; and state-mandated benefits. The Basic Plan also provides additional mental health and home health care coverage beyond what Original Medicare pays for.
How long does Wisconsin Medicaid last?
After a person reaches a total of 48 months of coverage, Wisconsin Medicaid eligibility will cease for six months.
When did Wisconsin change Medicaid?
In June 2017, Wisconsin submitted a proposed 1115 waiver to CMS, detailing reforms that the state wanted to make to its existing Medicaid program for childless adults ages 19-64. The proposed changes were called for under the terms of the 2015-2017 budget bill (Act 55) that the state enacted.
How long can you work for Medicaid in Wisconsin?
Limiting Wisconsin Medicaid eligibility to 48 months for non-disabled, non-pregnant enrollees age 19 to 49. After a person reaches a total of 48 months of coverage, Wisconsin Medicaid eligibility will cease for six months. However, any month during which a Wisconsin Medicaid enrollee is working or engaged in work training for at least 80 hours would not count towards the 48-month limit. Coverage in Wisconsin for childless, non-disabled adults is limited to those with income under the poverty level ($12,760 for a single adult in 2020), so avoiding the lifetime benefit cap while continuing to receive benefits would involve working enough to satisfy the 80-hour-per-month requirement, while not earning more than $12,760 during the year (the poverty level is adjusted slightly higher each year). But implementation of the work requirement has been delayed as a result of COVID-19; the waiver is approved, but not implemented as of September 2020.
What percentage of poverty is Medicaid in Wisconsin?
So Governor Walker decided to make Wisconsin Medicaid available to everyone with incomes up to 100 percent of poverty level (pregnant women and children are still eligible with household incomes up to 300% of poverty level).
How many people will get Medicaid in 2020?
A 2020 analysis by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation estimates that 120,000 people would gain access to Medicaid if the state were to accept federal funding to fully expand coverage, and that the state’s uninsured rate would drop by 16 percent. And because Wisconsin is currently covering adults with income up to the poverty level under ...
What are the requirements for Medicaid in Wisconsin?
Who is eligible for Medicaid in Wisconsin? 1 Pregnant women with household income up to 300 percent of poverty. 2 Children 19 and under with household income up to 300 percent of poverty. 3 Adults with household income up to 100 percent of poverty.
Why did Scott Walker not accept Medicaid?
Former Governor Scott Walker, who was opposed to the ACA, opted not to accept federal funding for Wisconsin Medicaid expansion under the ACA, in part because he was concerned that the federal government would not keep its promise to continue to pay at least 90 percent of the cost. But because Wisconsin has not expanded Medicaid, ...
What is Medicare Supplement in Wisconsin?
Also called Medigap, Medicare Supplement is optional insurance that works alongside Original Medicare, covering some of its out-of-pocket costs. Coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles required by Part A and Part B are examples of these costs. But Medicare Supplement plans in Wisconsin may take this coverage further.
What is a 50% cost sharing plan?
These are called Medicare Supplement Cost-Sharing plans. One type may cover certain basic benefits at 50%, and some at 25% (however, they may cover other benefits at 100%). That means, for example, that the “50% cost-sharing Medicare Supplement plan” would generally cover half (50%) of your Part A deductible.
What is Medicare Part B coinsurance?
Coinsurance or copayments under Medicare Part B. Coinsurance at skilled nursing care facilities under Part A. First three pints of blood per year (for example, if you need a transfusion) Home health care visits: up to 40 visits beyond those covered by Medicare. Part B coinsurance. Outpatient mental health care.
How long can you stay in a skilled nursing facility in Wisconsin?
Up to 30 days in a skilled nursing facility that’s not covered by Medicare. Some Medicare Supplement plans in Wisconsin may offer more benefits, besides the basic benefits. These are optional and you generally pay an additional premium. Medicare Part A deductible (some plans pay less than 100%)
How long does mental health care last in Wisconsin?
Inpatient mental health care for up to 175 days beyond those covered by Medicare. Certain other state-required benefits. Medicare Supplement plans in Wisconsin usually also help pay for certain services not covered by Medicare, if they meet insurance company standards for being medically necessary. For example:
When is the best time to buy a Medicare Supplement?
This 6-month timeframe starts the first month that you’re enrolled in Part B, and age 65 or older.
Can you keep your doctors on Medicare?
You can usually keep your doctors and specialists, as long as they accept Medicare assignment . Medicare SELECT plans are the only type of Medicare Supplement plan that may have provider networks and may require you to see network doctors.
When did Medicare extend to 4 1/2 years?
On October 1, 2000, a new law extended Medicare coverage for an additional 4 1/2 years beyond the current limit. This law is for people who receive Social Security disability benefits and who go to work.
What happens when your Medicare premium ends?
Once your premium free Medicare ends, you will get a notice that will tell you when you can file an application to purchase Medicare coverage. There is a program that may help you with your Medicare Part A premiums if you decide to purchase Part A after your extended coverage terminates.
How long does Medicare coverage last?
You will get at least 7 years and 9 months of continued Medicare coverage, as long as your disabling condition still meets our rules.
How long can you keep Medicare after you return to work?
As long as your disabling condition still meets our rules, you can keep your Medicare coverage for at least 8 ½ years after you return to work. (The 8 ½ years includes your nine month trial work period.)
How to find out about Medicare buy in?
To find out more about this program, contact your county, local or State Social Services or medical assistance office. Ask about the Medicare buy-in program for Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals .
What is special enrollment period?
The special enrollment period is a period of time, during which you may enroll. If you did not enroll during your initial enrollment period because you are covered under a group health plan based on your own current employment or the current employment of any family member.
Is Medicare a second payer?
Medicare is often the "secondary payer" when you have health care coverage through your work. Notify your Medicare contractor right away. Prompt reporting may prevent an error in payment for your health care services.
When will Medicare cards be mailed?
You should automatically be mailed your Medicare Card approximately 90 days before your 65th birthday. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer.
What is modified adjusted gross income?
Your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount. If so, you'll pay the standard premium amount and an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). IRMAA is an extra charge added to your premium.
Can everyone afford Medicare Supplement?
We highly recommend a Medicare Supplement when you first enter into Medicare, However, We realize that not everyone can afford the monthly premium.
What is covered benefits?
The health care items or services covered under a health insurance plan. Covered benefits and excluded services are defined in the health insurance plan's coverage documents. 175 days per lifetime in addition to Medicare's benefit of inpatient mental health coverage.
How many days per lifetime does Medicare cover mental health?
175 days per lifetime in addition to Medicare's benefit of inpatient mental health coverage. Health care services and supplies a doctor decides you may get in your home under a plan of care established by your doctor. Medicare only covers home health care on a limited basis as ordered by your doctor.
When will Part B be available for Medicare?
Part B copayment or coinsurance. *Note: Coverage of the Part B deductible will no longer be available to people who are new to Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. However, if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020 but not yet enrolled, you may be able to get this benefit.
When is Medicare open enrollment?
You can also switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to original Medicare during this time. Medicare Advantage open enrollment is from January 1 to March 21.
How old do you have to be to get medicare in Wisconsin?
You’re eligible for Medicare in Wisconsin when you turn 65 years old if you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident for five or more years. You may also be eligible if you are under age 65 and: have received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for at least 24 months.
What is a Medigap plan?
Medigap. This type of plan helps cover costs for parts A and B. Some plans have higher cost-sharing, higher deductibles, or out-of-pocket maximums. You can use Medigap with in- and out-of-network providers. Medicare SELECT.
What is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A provides coverage for care in hospitals and for hospice. It also provides limited coverage for care in skilled nursing facilities and home healthcare.
Does Medicare have an out-of-pocket maximum?
OriginalMedicare does not have an out-of-pocket max.
Is there Medicare Advantage in Wisconsin?
In addition to choosing a carrier, there are also several different types of Medicare Advantage plans available in Wisconsin.
Can you switch between Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
During the annual election period, you can make changes to your current plan or switch between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
How long can you switch Medicare Advantage plan in Maine?
But, in Maine, you can “try” the Advantage plan for three years, and you have 90 days after dropping the policy to switch to a supplement with Guaranteed Issue ...
How long does it take to switch Medigap plans?
Missouri – If you have a Medigap policy, you can switch plans within 60 days of your enrollment anniversary . New York – You can enroll in a Medigap policy without underwriting throughout the year. Washington – Allows Medigap enrollees to change Medigap plans (except for Plan A) at any point.
How long can you change your Medigap plan?
Some states allow the “Birthday Rule,” which allows a 30-day timeframe for you to change your Medigap plan after your birthday every year. Also, you can change plans without underwriting as long as the policy benefits are equal to or less than your current plan.
Does Medigap cover excess charges?
If you’re looking at purchasing a Medigap policy, you may find that some of the plans cover excess charges. When a doctor doesn’t accept Medicare, excess charges may occur; doctors can only charge 15% above the threshold.
Can you cancel your health insurance in Wisconsin?
In the state of Wisconsin, if the annual premium of your employer plan is over 125% of the Basic Annual Premium for your gender and age, then you may qualify for Guaranteed Issue. No Conditions – You may decide to cancel your group health insurance and make Medicare primary.
Can you leave healthcare coverage?
Generally, choosing to leave your healthcare coverage will not land you in a Guaranteed Issue situation. However, there may be exceptions to the rule.
Is Medicare open enrollment in 2021?
Updated on July 15, 2021. Even though Medicare is a Federal program, some states have different terms for Open Enrollment, Guaranteed Issue Rights, excess charges, disability, etc. Below, we’ll highlight what states have their own unique rules.
How to get a copy of the SeniorCare authorization of representative form?
To get a copy of the SeniorCare Authorization of Representative form, contact the SeniorCare Customer Service hotline at 800-657-2038 or visit dhs.wisconsin.gov/seniorcare/apply.htm to print a form.
How long is the benefit period for senior care?
A benefit period is a length of time during which a benefit is paid. The benefit period for SeniorCare is 12 months. Your benefits begin the month after SeniorCare receives your completed application and enrollment fee. You will receive a letter of enrollment with your benefit period indicated.
What is senior care in Wisconsin?
SeniorCare is a prescription drug assistance program for Wisconsin residents who are 65 years of age or older and meet the enrollment requirements. The program is designed to help seniors with prescription drug costs.
How to contact SeniorCare?
You should work with your pharmacy to resolve the problem. If you still have concerns, you can call the SeniorCare Customer Service hotline at 800-657-2038. If you had additional coverage that has been canceled, make sure you know the termination date of the other coverage before calling.
When does SeniorCare end?
Approximately six weeks before the end of your current benefit period, you will receive a preprinted renewal application and instructions. If you do not renew your SeniorCare enrollment by the end of your current benefit period, it will end.
Does SeniorCare require a fee?
Yes. Everyone who enrolls in SeniorCare must pay an enrollment fee . The enrollment fee is $30 per person enrolled in the program.
What is gross Social Security?
Gross Social Security payments, which include: Social Security benefits (including electronic funds transfers) Medicare Part B premiums (if withheld from your Social Security check) Gross employment income/wages, which include: Wages, salaries, and bonuses. Wages or income received as part of a training program.
What is Medicare Advantage in Wisconsin?
Medicare Advantage: Medicare managed care plans . In some parts of Wisconsin, people covered by Medicare can receive their benefits through a managed care plan. (PDF): This brochure, from OCI, explains options under a Medicare Advantage managed care plan (formerly called Medicare+Choice).
What is Medicare for seniors?
What is Medicare? Medicare is the main insurance for people 65 and older and also provides coverage for some people with disabilities. It is the nation's largest health insurance program - covering 49 million Americans in 2012.
What is a Medigap policy?
Known as Medigap, supplemental insurance policies cover expenses not paid for by Medicare. It is important to shop around for a Medigap policy. Under Wisconsin law all Medigap policies provide certain basic benefits, but many plans offer various optional benefits as well.
Is Wisconsin a Medicare carrier?
Wisconsin Physicians Service is the state carrier for Medicare Part B. (link is external) , which helps pay for doctors' services, outpatient hospital care, and some other health care such as the services of physical and occupational therapists, and some home health care. Last Revised: November 9, 2018.
Does Medicare cover prescription drug costs?
People with Medicare can enroll in plans that cover some prescription drug costs . Medicare provides the following resources to help you choose a Part D plan:

Scope
- In Wisconsin, like the rest of the country, Medicare beneficiaries can choose to get their coverage through Original Medicare, Part A and/or Part B, the federal program that provides health coverage for seniors and certain disabled individuals. They may also choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (offered by private insurance companies), whi...
Health
- What makes Wisconsin unique is the availability of Medicare Supplement Insurance. It is one of just three states to offer its own version of it. Most states can offer up to 10 standardized plans, meaning that plan coverage details do not change no matter where they are purchased. Medicare beneficiaries in Wisconsin looking for supplemental coverage have a few options. These includ…
Cost
- Wisconsin also has versions of Medicare Supplement Plans K and L, called the 50% and 25% Cost-Sharing Plans. A high-deductible plan is also available. Many insurance companies give beneficiaries the option to add on riders to their Medigap plans. These riders cover additional benefits such as foreign travel coverage, the Part B deductible, and more.
Benefits
- Medicare Advantage plans, Part C, are available through private insurance companies and must cover at least the same level of coverage as Part A and Part B (with the exception of hospice care). Some plans may include other benefits, like routine vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must continue paying your Medica…
Availability
- Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans provide drug coverage (Medicare Part D) to Original Medicare beneficiaries. Not every Part D plan in Wisconsin may be available in each area. Another way to get Medicare prescription drug coverage is through a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan.
Summary
- Medicare Supplement insurance plans, known also as Medigap, are policies that cover some of the out-of-pocket costs surrounding Original Medicare. A Medicare Supplement policy may cover expenses such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
Resources
- Medicare Savings Programs in Wisconsin: Wisconsins Medicare Savings Programs may be able to help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for out-of-pocket Medicare costs like premiums and copayments. For more information, contact your state Medicaid department.
Programs
- Wisconsin State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (SHIP): SHIP is a federal and state funded program that helps beneficiaries better understand their Medicare coverage. In Wisconsin, SHIP operates two toll-free assistance centers: the Wisconsin Medigap Part D and Prescription Drug Helpline for seniors and the Disability Drug Benefit Helpline for people who ge…
Qualification
- To apply for Medicare, you must be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident of at least five continuous years. Youre generally eligible when you are 65 or older, but you may qualify under 65 through disability or having certain conditions. You can manually enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, the seven-month period that starts three months before you turn 65, inc…