ForwardHealth Partner Resources: Health Care

Benefits will not be affected by a government shutdown

DHS is closely monitoring all of the activities occurring at the federal level, including the possibility of a government shutdown. Our goal is to keep the public informed, especially our members who receive vital health and nutrition support and services.

In the event of a federal government shutdown on Saturday, January 31:

  • Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus members will still have coverage to get the care and services they need. We will share information as soon as it becomes available. For updates, visit the Medicaid News page.
  • FoodShare members will continue to receive benefits on their QUEST card on the normal schedule. They can use any benefits that are on their card to buy food during a shutdown. We will share information as it becomes available. For updates, visit the FoodShare News page.
  • Wisconsin WIC will be available. You may continue to use your WIC benefits, attend WIC appointments, and do not need to take any action. DHS is monitoring this and other federal activity closely and will share information as it becomes available. Contact your local WIC agency with any questions.

Medicaid

Medicaid provides high-quality health care coverage, long-term care, and other services that promote physical and mental health and well-being.

Key resources

 Medicaid handbook

Policy information about Medicaid eligibility and benefits in Wisconsin.

 Medicaid forms and publications

Links to memos, guides, and forms related to Medicaid eligibility and benefits.

 Medicaid federal poverty levels

Income limits for Medicaid.

 Medicaid disability determination

Information about the Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) and disability determination process

 Requests for adding products or services to Medicaid

ForwardHealth providers, partners, and advocates can submit proposals for Medicaid to cover new products or services in Wisconsin.

 

More information

 Medicaid telehealth expansion

Explanation of services available through Medicaid telehealth.

 Overview of Medicaid programs

Learn about who might be eligible for which Medicaid programs.

 

BadgerCare Plus

BadgerCare Plus is a health care program that helps low-income children, pregnant people, and adults in Wisconsin.

Key resources

 BadgerCare Plus handbook

Policy information about BadgerCare Plus eligibility and benefits.

 BadgerCare Plus forms and publications

Links to memos, guides, and forms related to BadgerCare Plus.

 BadgerCare Plus federal poverty levels

Income limits for BadgerCare Plus.


Other Medicaid programs

There are additional Medicaid programs that provide support for specific populations or cover specific sets of services.

Informational webpages

 Caretaker Supplement information webpage

Information about additional cash benefits for caretakers who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and meet other program rules.

 Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans information webpage

Description of the Medicare Advantage plan available to those with Medicare and Medicaid.

 Family Planning Only Services information webpage

Provides low to no-cost sexual and reproductive health care for people with limited income to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

 Non-emergency medical transportation information webpage

Provides rides to BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid members to covered services when they don't have other transportation.

 SeniorCare information webpage

Program that helps Wisconsin residents ages 65 or older pay for prescription drugs and vaccines.

 SeniorCare publications

SeniorCare policy documents, including application, fact sheet, and handbook.

 SeniorCare federal poverty levels

Income limits for SeniorCare.

 Wisconsin Well Woman Program information webpage

Program that helps women with little or no health insurance get screening for breast and cervical cancers.

 

Other key resources

 ForwardHealth member page

Information for members on different health and nutrition assistance programs run by DHS.

 ForwardHealth Partner Guide

Program resources for Southeast Wisconsin Community Partners.

Glossary

 
Last revised October 13, 2025