Updates for local agencies, community-based organizations, and providers that offer help to members of Wisconsin's health and nutrition assistance programs.

March 20 Stakeholder Call Canceled

Wisconsin's eligibility policy updates stakeholder call scheduled for March 20 has been canceled.

The next call is currently scheduled for April 17 at 12 p.m. We expect to be able to provide updates on Wisconsin’s Summer EBT program, in addition to our regular updates on Unwinding, at that time.

Reinstatement of premiums for children enrolled in BadgerCare Plus

At last month’s call, we provided an update on reinstatement of premiums for children enrolled in BadgerCare Plus starting on April 1. These updates included:

• Under Wisconsin state law, most families with household incomes over 201% of the federal poverty level will be charged a premium for children in BadgerCare Plus. However, because of requirements in federal law, these children will not lose health care coverage under BadgerCare Plus if their family is unable to pay the premium.
• Members may be charged premiums starting in May. Premiums will go into effect when new members apply on or after April 1, or after current members complete their next scheduled renewal due in April or later.

Communication updates:

• On March 8, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) published Operations Memo 24-04, which outlines the policy for reinstatement of premiums for children enrolled in BadgerCare Plus.
• DHS added language to our current member notices and premium statements to let them know that their children will keep their health care coverage even if their family is unable to pay premiums.
• DHS started sending out informational letters to families with children enrolled in BadgerCare Plus, who have April renewals and may be subject to premiums. These letters will be sent on a rolling basis as members come up for the renewal of their benefits.

About the stakeholder call series

The stakeholder call series provides an opportunity for our partners and stakeholders to learn about policy updates and rule changes affecting Wisconsin programs, such as FoodShare and Medicaid.

If you have COVID-19 Unwinding questions, questions about the calls, or would like to suggest a topic for a future call, please email us.

Please do not respond to this email. The email box is not monitored and you will not receive a personal response. You are receiving this notification because you have asked to be added to the ForwardHealth Partners information list. For questions, please contact DHS ForwardHealth Partners. Thank you.