New BadgerCare Plus program

Health care coverage and access has taken center stage in national debate, with the president working with Congress, health care providers, insurance companies, and consumers to find a national solution to the crisis we’re facing. There are over 40 million people in America without any health insurance. In Wisconsin, however, we have worked to ensure that access to basic health services is provided for as many of our residents as possible.

The BadgerCare program has extended coverage of health services to uninsured children and their parents. BadgerCare Plus broadened this program to cover pregnant women and family planning services. These programs have been indispensable to families who do not have the means to pay for rising health care costs. This year I am proud to have worked with the Department of Health Services and my colleagues in the Assembly to extend coverage to childless adults under the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan. 

The Core Plan provides access to basic health services to long-term uninsured adults who make $1,805 a month or less, or $2,428 a month or less for married couples.

Those who qualify can apply to get coverage for doctor visits, hospitalizations, some prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, dialysis, emergency room services, and ambulance services.

Too many times people are faced with the decision of buying food or going to the doctor to get treatment for an illness or injury. This plan will help those facing these problems to have access to health care.

If you would like more information on this plan, or other BadgerCare programs, please go to access.wi.gov or call 1 (800) 291-2002. You can also contact my office for questions on this or any other issue.

Jon Richards is the state representative for Wisconsin’s 19th state Assembly District, which includes Bay View, the Third Ward, eastern downtown, and the East Side. His website is jonrichards.org. He can be reached at (888) 534-0019 or rep.richards@legis.wi.gov.