The rules for renewing Wisconsin health care benefits are returning to the way they were before the public health emergency. During the pandemic, there were special rules that allowed members to keep their benefits without having to renew or reapply.
If you get BadgerCare Plus, Medicaid, or MAPP (Medicaid Purchase Plan), you must renew your enrollment once a year.
What is a renewal?
When you first applied for benefits, you gave the state details about things like your household, income, and insurance. To see if you can keep your benefits, you need to update that information every year. This process is called a renewal.
What to expect at renewal time
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (Wis DHS) will let you know it is time for you to renew.
- Wis DHS has assigned you a renewal date sometime between June 2023 and May 2024.
- You will receive a packet from Wis DHS in the mail about one month before you are due to renew. The packet lets you know when you need to renew and information on how to renew.
Want to know your renewal date now? You should have received a letter from Wis DHS in March or April that informed you of your renewal date. If you didn’t get the letter or can’t remember your renewal date, you can also look up your renewal date on the ACCESS Wisconsin website.
What is ACCESS?
ACCESS is an online account where you can apply for and manage your state of Wisconsin benefits and programs in one place, at any time.
Don’t have an ACCESS account?
Create an ACCESS account. You can also download the MyACCESS mobile app for iPhone or Android.
You may need to update the information that Wis DHS has on file.
- Information may include your household details, income, and insurance. You may be asked to submit proof later.
- Make sure you get your renewal packet. It will be mailed to the address you have on file with Wis DHS.
Did you move? Change your phone number or email address?
Update your contact information with DHS if you’ve changed your address, phone number, and email so they can send you important changes about your coverage.
You can make changes on the ACCESS Wisconsin website.
Don’t have an ACCESS account?
You can create an account quickly and easily on the ACCESS Wisconsin website.
Start your renewal as soon as you get your packet
You must verify your eligibility by your renewal date to continue your coverage.
Renew online
The fastest and easiest way to renew is online through ACCESS Wisconsin.
- Log in or create an account on the ACCESS Wisconsin website.
- Click on the alert that says, “Benefit Renewals Due for”
Renew by mail
- You can fill out the renewal application that was mailed to you. Send it back in the mail when it is complete.
Renew by phone or in person at your local agency
- You can renew through your local income maintenance or tribal agency. Agencies will be busy. Make an appointment.
- You can find a list of income maintenance and tribal agencies on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
Need help with your application? Didn’t get your packet?
- Follow the instructions in your renewal packet. It will be mailed to you about 30 days before your renewal deadline.
- Visit the WisCovered website for helpful information.
- Call 211 to talk with a navigator.
- Call your local agency. You can find a list of income maintenance and tribal agencies on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
Don’t miss your deadline. But don't renew too early.
- Make sure you complete your renewal by your deadline.
- It’s important that you wait until your assigned renewal date before trying to renew. You will keep your coverage until you renew, so don't renew early.
After you complete your Medicaid renewal
- Wis DHS will send you a letter that tells you if you have been renewed or need to find other coverage.
- You can also check your renewal status on the ACCESS Wisconsin website or on the MyACCESS Wisconsin mobile app.
- If you keep your Wisconsin health benefits, you can continue your current BadgerCare Plus or Medicaid coverage through MHS Health Wisconsin or Network Health plan.
If you find out that your Medicaid benefits are ending
You can get help finding other health benefits through your employer, Medicare, or the health insurance marketplace.
For more information about Wisconsin BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid renewals
Learn more about Medicaid renewals on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
What you can do now to get ready
1. Update your contact information
Make sure the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has your current address, phone, and email so they can send you important changes about your coverage.
Log in or create an account on the ACCESS Wisconsin website.
2. Pay attention to communication
Listen to your phone messages and read any letters, texts, and emails you get from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and your MHS Health Wisconsin or Network Health plan to find out how these changes will affect you.
3. Get informed about renewing
Learn more about the Medicaid renewal process that is occurring in Wisconsin between June 2023 and May 2024. To learn more, visit
- Visit the ACCESS Wisconsin website.
- Learn more about Medicaid renewals on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
- Visit the WisCovered website.
- Visit the Covering Wisconsin website.
- Visit the 211 website or call 211 to find a local navigator.
- Look for health insurance options on the Healthcare.gov website.
4. Take action when it's your time to renew
Don't miss your renewal deadline! Wis DHS and your HMO will try many ways to reach you to tell you what you need to do to get continued benefits.
Applying for Wisconsin Health Benefits
There are many types of Medicaid programs in Wisconsin. Each has certain requirements you must meet if you want to enroll. Learn more through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services
How to Apply
In order to enroll in our plan, you must apply for and be eligible for BadgerCare Plus or Medicaid SSI. If you are eligible, the Department of Health Services will send you a letter to let you know. Then, you can choose which health plan is best for you.
If you have not applied for BadgerCare Plus or Medicaid SSI, please visit www.access.wisconsin.gov