Wisconsin health-coverage resources
Phone numbers, websites, and counselors that don't cost anything. Most of them outperform the for-profit alternatives — SHIP counselors and ADRCs are staffed by people whose only job is helping you, not selling you something.
Medicare counseling — free
Free, federally-funded counselors. They don't sell anything and earn no commission. Use them to compare plans, untangle a denial, understand a Medicare letter, or pick a Medigap plan.
When to call: Any Medicare question. They handle denials, plan comparisons, MSP / LIS questions, Medigap shopping, COBRA + Medicare confusion, dual-eligible navigation.
Federal Medicare hotline. 24/7. Useful for plan enrollments and to confirm eligibility status.
CMS's official plan-shopping tool. The most authoritative source for plan availability, but the UI is dated.
Wisconsin Medicaid / BadgerCare
Wisconsin's online portal for Medicaid, BadgerCare Plus, FoodShare (SNAP), and Wisconsin Shares (childcare). Year-round enrollment.
When to call: Apply, renew, upload documents, check the status of an application or change request.
WI's general intake number for BadgerCare, Medicaid, FoodShare. They'll route you to your local Income Maintenance Consortium.
When to call: Apply by phone, ask why a notice arrived, request reinstatement after a termination, ask about your case status.
Once enrolled, this is the line for ID-card replacements, HMO selection, and benefit questions. TTY: 711.
Long-term care & disability — ADRC
Free local one-stop shop for adults 60+ and adults with disabilities. They handle Family Care / IRIS / Partnership applications, the Long-Term Care Functional Screen, in-home care planning, and benefit counseling.
When to call: Anything related to aging in place, long-term care eligibility, in-home services, or caregiver support. Walk-in friendly.
Free legal help for people with disabilities. Handles Medicaid denials, employment discrimination, abuse/neglect, voting rights, and benefit disputes.
Prescription help
Wisconsin's prescription-drug assistance for residents 65+. $30/yr fee, $5 generic / $15 brand copays. Income tiers determine deductible. Can stack with Part D in some cases.
Federal Part D subsidy. Apply at SSA, not at the plan. Income ≤150% FPL post-IRA. Eliminates the deductible and caps drug copays at nominal amounts.
Many drug manufacturers run free or reduced-cost programs for income-qualifying patients. NeedyMeds aggregates them across all manufacturers.
ACA Marketplace
Federal Marketplace — Wisconsin uses the federal exchange (no state-run alternative). Plan-shop, calculate APTC subsidy, enroll.
When to call: Enroll during AEP (Nov 1 – Jan 15) or after a qualifying life event (loss of Medicaid, marriage, baby, move).
WI DHS's directory of certified Marketplace navigators in Wisconsin. Free in-person help.
Free legal & advocacy help
Free legal help for low-income residents, Native American tribal members, and elders. Covers benefits, housing, family law, and more.
Free civil legal services for low-income residents in 39 counties. Handles benefits denials, housing, and consumer issues.
National free helpline staffed by Medicare counselors. Useful for second opinions on a denial or appeal.
Energy & food assistance
WI's food-assistance program. Apply at the same ACCESS portal as BadgerCare. Income-based.
Pays a portion of heat / electric bills for income-qualifying households. Crisis assistance available year-round.
Phone numbers and URLs verified as of 2026. Spot something out of date? File an issue.