What You Need To Know
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) has been established to provide low-income families and their children with proper healthcare. These families have an income that is too high to qualify for Medicaid. However, it is not high enough for private coverage. CHIP provides them with the medical services they require. It has successfully helped almost eight million children and families.
In Wisconsin, the CHIP program is known as the BadgerCare Plus program. It covers both children and pregnant women. The Badger Plus program achieves its goal but collaborating with the state Medicaid program. The benefits enjoyed by the qualified members of this benefit program include:
- Emergency services
- Routine check-ups
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
- Immunizations
- Doctor visits
- Dental and vision care
- Prescriptions
These benefits of BadgerCare Plus can be enjoyed by various people in Wisconsin. Along with children and pregnant women, adults can also apply for it. These adults must be between the ages of 18 and 25 who spent their childhood in foster care. An eligible individual will be able to have BadgerCare Plus for 12 months. This is valid if there are no changes in his or her eligibility factors. If the person wishes to maintain this health coverage after the 12-month period, renewal is vital. A notice about renewing the benefits is sent one month before the end.
Are You Eligible?
BadgerCare Plus ensures that children below the age of 19 are provided for concerning their healthcare. They make sure the most deserving individuals receive these benefits by listing out an eligibility criterion. This states that the child must be:
- A U.S. national, citizen, legal alien or permanent resident.
- Characterized to have low income
- A resident of the state of Wisconsin
This benefit program provides for those families whose income level falls at a middle ground between Medicaid and private coverage. This means that the annual household income, before any tax deductions of the applicant must be considered. It should be in line with the guidelines put forward by the authorities involved in the program. Therefore, the earnings of the individual must either be less than or equal to the below-mentioned amounts. These figures have been decided by keeping both the household size and income level in mind.
| Size Of The Household | Maximum Annual Income Level ($) |
| 1 | 37470 |
| 2 | 50730 |
| 3 | 63990 |
| 4 | 77250 |
| 5 | 90510 |
| 6 | 103770 |
| 7 | 117030 |
| 8 | 130290 |
There may be more than eight residents in a household. An additional amount of $13,260 is added per extra person in these cases. It is advised that interested individuals check in with their managing agencies. This allows them to gain the assistance they require as well as keep them up-to-date with the appropriate guidelines.
A pre-screening tool is available for the purposes of potentially eligible people. They can make use of the tool through the website and determine their chances. However, it should be kept in mind that the tool is not the final application. Therefore, it should not be treated as such. It is also encouraged that a person applies for the program even if the tool provides negative results.
How To Apply
The Wisconsin.gov Access portal has been set up to make it easier for Wisconsin residents to apply for the program. They can start up their application process from the comfort of their home. Additional information regarding the application is also present on the website. It caters to any queries or confusion the person may have. The How to Apply also outlines the location of service centers near you. It enables interested individuals to visit the office and gain the assistance they require.
Any applicant of BadgerCare Plus must have certain documents ready. They are required for verification purposes and determine the eligibility of the person. Therefore, the person applying must have the following information ready:
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Marital status
- Address
- S. Citizenship or immigration status
- Job information such as the name, address and phone number of employer.
- Job income
- Other sources of income. This can be Social Security or unemployment compensation.
- Names and relations of people in the household
- Health insurance information that you may have through your employer.
For Further Information
The BadgerCare Plus page has been set up to clarify any confusion people may have. It has in-depth information about the benefits program which can prove helpful for interested individuals. Additional details are even available on the Medicaid & CHIP Policies page. By entering Wisconsin in the state selection, you can find the appropriate information.