Wisconsin Medicaid
Medicaid, funded by both the federal and state governments, is an important health program for people with lower incomes, elderly people, some families with children, and people with disabilities.
The state Department of Health Services (DHS) administers ForwardHealth, Wisconsin’s Medicaid program, and recipients must be American citizens or legal permanent residents living in Wisconsin who fall into certain qualifying categories.
Qualifying categories for Medicaid eligibility include:
- the elderly
- the physically disabled
- the mentally disabled
- severely disabled children
- pregnant women
- low income adults
- low income children
By 2014, most adults across the country who are under age 65 and have incomes under $15,000 will qualify for Medicaid. Although income limits for various Wisconsin Medicaid programs vary substantially, all limits are tied to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
For recipients who are aged or disabled, the asset limit for the Wisconsin Medicaid Standard Plan is set at $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for a couple. Certain assets, including one vehicle, burial assets, clothing, and other personal items, are not included in figuring assets.
ForewardCare covers a wide range of medical services including:
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
- Health screenings for children and treatment of detected medical problems
- Comprehensive dental services for children
- Adult medical and surgical dental services
- Nursing facility services for adults
- Health clinic services
- Prescription drugs
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy for children
- Eye doctor visits and eyeglasses for children
- Medically-necessary transportation services
Dual Eligibility
Some people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. In such cases, Medicare is the primary payer. If you are eligible for both Medicare and Wisconsin Medicaid, looking into Medicare Advantage plans may be a wise move. Medicare Advantage can offer increased coverage and security to dual eligible individuals, and some Medicare Advantage plans are available premium-free.
Call MedicareMall toll-free at 1-877-413-1556 for help determining whether Medicare Advantage is right for you.
For more information about Medicaid in Wisconsin, contact ForwardHealth at 1-800-362-3002. To apply for benefits under any of the Wisconsin Medicaid programs and services, visit Wisconsin.gov Access and select “Apply for Benefits.” The Access site also allows you to further determine your eligibility for benefits.
If you have any further questions about senior healthcare including Original Medicare Part A and Part B, Medicare Advantage, or Medicare supplement plans, contact a licensed, bonded MedicareMall representative and let us lead you with confidence through the Medicare maze!
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