Medicaid: BadgerCare Waiver

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the BadgerCare waiver for a five-year extension. It provides coverage from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2028, for childless adults with incomes of up to and including 100% of the federal poverty level. 

The waiver also includes an expanded substance use disorder program. It would cover short-term residential services in institutions for mental diseases. This provision is still under CMS review and is not yet approved. 

As of January 1, 2024, more than 239,000 people have coverage under the BadgerCare waiver.

About Section 1115 Demonstration Waivers

Section 1115 of the Social Security Act gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services authority to approve experimental, pilot, or demonstration projects that promote the objectives of the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs. Under this authority, the Secretary may waive certain provisions of the Medicaid law to give states extra flexibility to design and improve their programs. Learn more about Section 1115 Demonstration Waivers.

BadgerCare Waiver Extension: October 31, 2018 – December 31, 2023


BadgerCare Waiver Amendment for Health Savings Accounts

In 2020, Wisconsin submitted an amendment request to CMS to add health savings accounts for the childless adult population under the BadgerCare waiver. CMS approval is pending.


BadgerCare Waiver Amendment and Extension: October 31, 2018 – December 31, 2023

Last revised July 22, 2025