Wisconsin's Medicaid program is called BadgerCare Plus, and it covers hundreds of thousands of residents across the state. Income limits updated on February 1, 2026 following the annual federal poverty level adjustment, so if you checked your eligibility last year, the numbers have changed. This guide breaks down exactly who qualifies and at what income level, organized by household size and eligibility category.
Wisconsin expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means low-income adults without children can qualify for full coverage at 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL). That is broader than many states, though the income ceiling for adults is lower than for children and pregnant women in the same household.
What Is BadgerCare Plus?
BadgerCare Plus is Wisconsin's Medicaid program administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) through the ForwardHealth system. It provides free or low-cost health coverage for:
- Adults ages 19 to 64
- Children and teens under age 19
- Pregnant women
- Parents and caretaker relatives
- Seniors and people with disabilities (through separate EBD Medicaid rules)
Most BadgerCare Plus programs use Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules, which means there is no asset test. You do not need to count savings, a car, or a home to determine eligibility for these categories.
2026 Income Limits by Category
The income limits below are effective as of February 1, 2026, based on the updated federal poverty guidelines.
Adults Ages 19 to 64 (100% FPL)
Non-disabled adults without dependent children qualify at 100% of the federal poverty level.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,330 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $1,803 | $21,636 |
| 3 | $2,277 | $27,324 |
| 4 | $2,750 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $3,223 | $38,676 |
| 6 | $3,697 | $44,364 |
| 7 | $4,170 | $50,040 |
| 8 | $4,643 | $55,716 |
| Each additional person | +$473/month | +$5,676/year |
Children Ages 6 to 18 (156% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,074 |
| 2 | $2,812 |
| 3 | $3,553 |
| 4 | $4,290 |
| 5 | $5,028 |
| 6 | $5,768 |
| 7 | $6,505 |
| 8 | $7,243 |
| Each additional person | +$737/month |
Children Ages 1 to 5 (191% FPL)
Children in this age group qualify at a higher threshold than older children.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,540 |
| 2 | $3,444 |
| 3 | $4,349 |
| 4 | $5,252 |
| 5 | $6,157 |
| 6 | $7,060 |
| 7 | $7,964 |
| 8 | $8,868 |
Children Under Age 1 and Pregnant Women (306% FPL)
Wisconsin provides some of the most generous coverage for infants and pregnant women. The 306% FPL limit applies to both groups.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $4,069 |
| 2 | $5,514 |
| 3 | $6,959 |
| 4 | $8,414 |
| 5 | $9,859 |
| 6 | $11,304 |
| 7 | $12,749 |
| 8 | $14,207 |
| Each additional person | +$1,447/month |
Pregnancy coverage counts the unborn child as a household member, which effectively raises the applicable limit.
Category Comparison at a Glance
| Group | FPL Limit | Notes |
|---|
| Adults 19-64 | 100% | Includes childless adults due to ACA expansion |
| Parents/Caretakers | 100% | Same threshold as other adults |
| Children 6-18 | 156% | CHIP covers children up to 306% |
| Children 1-5 | 191% | Higher limit for young children |
| Infants under 1 | 306% | Highest limit for this age group |
| Pregnant women | 306% | Coverage extends 12 months postpartum |
| Seniors/Disabled (EBD) | Varies | Uses non-MAGI rules with asset test |
Who Does Not Qualify
A few situations typically result in ineligibility:
- Income above the limit for your household size and category
- Not a Wisconsin resident
- Not a U.S. citizen or qualifying immigration status
- Adults 19 to 64 with employer-sponsored insurance that meets minimum value standards may not qualify for full BadgerCare Plus coverage (though children in the household may still qualify)
For seniors and people with disabilities applying through the Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) Medicaid track, both income and assets are counted. The asset limit for individuals in that category is $2,000.
How Income Is Counted
BadgerCare Plus uses MAGI-based income rules for most categories, which align closely with how the IRS counts income. Key things to know:
- Wages, salaries, and self-employment income count
- Social Security benefits generally count (with exceptions)
- Child support received counts as income
- SSI payments are excluded
- Children's non-taxable disability income is excluded
- Irregular income is averaged over 12 months in most cases
If your income fluctuates, DHS looks at projected annual income when determining eligibility.
How to Apply for BadgerCare Plus in Wisconsin
You can apply any time of year. Medicaid has no open enrollment period.
Step 1: Gather your documents.
You will need proof of identity (state ID, driver's license, or passport), proof of Wisconsin residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), Social Security numbers for household members, income documentation (recent pay stubs, employer letter, or tax return), and immigration documents if applicable.
Step 2: Choose your application method.
- Online: Apply at ACCESS.wi.gov. This is the fastest route and allows you to check your application status.
- By phone: Call ForwardHealth at 1-800-362-3002, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time.
- In person: Visit your local county Department of Human Services (DHS) or Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).
- By mail: Download and mail a paper application from the DHS website.
Step 3: Submit the application.
Online applications can be submitted in one session or saved and completed later. You do not need to submit everything at once.
Step 4: Wait for a decision.
Standard applications are processed within 45 days. Pregnant women and certain emergency cases may qualify for same-day coverage. You will receive a notice by mail with the eligibility decision.
Step 5: Receive your ForwardHealth card.
If approved, you will get a ForwardHealth card in the mail. Keep it. You will present it at medical appointments.
Step 6: Renew annually.
Wisconsin reviews BadgerCare Plus eligibility once per year. You will receive a renewal notice before your coverage ends. Respond promptly to avoid a gap in coverage.
If You Earn Too Much for Medicaid
Adults who earn above 100% FPL but below 400% FPL may qualify for subsidized coverage through the ACA Marketplace. Wisconsin residents can enroll through HealthCare.gov. Depending on income, you may qualify for premium tax credits that significantly reduce monthly costs.
At 100% to 150% FPL, ACA premium subsidies can bring monthly premiums close to $0 for benchmark plans. Use our free screener to check whether Medicaid or ACA subsidies is the better fit for your household.
State Resources
For more Wisconsin-specific benefits programs, visit our Wisconsin benefits guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for a single adult in Wisconsin Medicaid in 2026?
A single adult ages 19 to 64 can earn up to $1,330 per month (100% of the federal poverty level) and qualify for BadgerCare Plus. This limit updated February 1, 2026.
Does Wisconsin Medicaid have an asset test?
No. MAGI-based BadgerCare Plus programs have no asset test. You do not need to count savings, a vehicle, or a home. The asset test only applies to the Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) Medicaid track, where the limit is $2,000 for individuals.
Can undocumented immigrants get BadgerCare Plus?
Undocumented immigrants generally do not qualify for full BadgerCare Plus coverage. However, emergency Medicaid is available for emergency medical conditions regardless of immigration status. Lawfully residing immigrants may qualify for full coverage depending on how long they have been in the country.
How long does the application take?
Standard applications are decided within 45 days. Pregnant women and emergency situations may be approved much faster, sometimes the same day.
What if I earn a little too much for Medicaid?
If your income is above the BadgerCare Plus limit but below 400% FPL, you may qualify for ACA Marketplace subsidies. Use our free eligibility screener to see what you qualify for.
Can children qualify even if their parents do not?
Yes. Children in Wisconsin qualify at much higher income thresholds (up to 306% FPL for infants) compared to adults (100% FPL). A household where the parents do not qualify may still have children who do.
Does pregnancy change my income limit?
Yes. Pregnant women qualify at 306% FPL, which is significantly higher than the standard adult limit of 100% FPL. Wisconsin also counts the unborn child as a household member, which can push the limit higher. Coverage continues for 12 months after delivery.
How do I renew my BadgerCare Plus coverage?
Wisconsin conducts annual renewals. You will receive a notice in the mail. In some cases, coverage is renewed automatically using data from other sources. If DHS needs more information, you will be asked to submit a renewal form. Respond by the deadline to avoid losing coverage.
What is ForwardHealth?
ForwardHealth is the Wisconsin DHS system that administers Medicaid, BadgerCare Plus, and other health assistance programs. You apply through ACCESS.wi.gov, which is part of the ForwardHealth portal. Once enrolled, you use a ForwardHealth card at medical appointments.
Can I apply for BadgerCare Plus anytime?
Yes. Medicaid has no open enrollment window. You can apply any day of the year. If approved, coverage typically starts the month you applied or the month you became eligible, depending on circumstances.
