The Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion is an option for Wisconsin and all states in the country. The ACA Medicaid expansion makes low-cost medical coverage possible for millions of Americans across the country. However, the ACA Medicaid expansion cost to states is a deterrent for lawmakers who must consider the overall budget. Since Affordable Care Act Medicaid eligibility and expenses increase under the expansion, Wisconsin and each state could opt out of the Obamacare plan. Areas that implemented the new Affordable Care Act Medicaid application guidelines made eligibility to enroll more lenient by considering petitioners based on meeting the Medicaid income requirements alone. It is important for residents to know the Obamacare Medicaid expansion details if their state implemented the new guidelines. To find out what is the expansion of Medicaid and if Wisconsin accepted the new program requirements, read through the details in the sections ahead.
Learn About the ACA Medicaid Expansion in Wisconsin
What is the Obamacare Medicaid expansion and should Wisconsin applicants be concerned? The key component of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion is the population enlargement of eligible candidates. The ACA expansion of Medicaid makes it possible for millions of citizens to get affordable health coverage that was previously unavailable to them. Conversely, the increased number of qualified petitioners results in higher costs to run the program. The ACA Medicaid expansion cost to states is a major concern for state officials. Although 31 states and Washington D.C. accepted the extended guidelines, 19 states including Wisconsin did not. As a result, Wisconsin residents will not be eligible for coverage unless they meet the requirements for Medicaid previously established.
There are different types of Medicaid insurance, so applicants can inquire about the qualification differences between plan options after applying for Medicaid coverage. By means of example, Wisconsin offers Family Care, ForwardHealth and IRIS. Applicants who are not eligible for Medicaid may still qualify for other health care assistance programs such as BadgerCare or Wisconsin Well Women.
What does opting out of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion mean for Wisconsin?
Since Wisconsin did not accept the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion, the current requirements to enroll in the program remain. To be eligible for Medicaid in WI, petitioners must be U.S. citizens or legal immigrants as well as satisfy other qualifiers based on age or health status. Without the ACA Medicaid expansion, residents who are blind, disabled, older than 65 years of age and have a household income less than the program limit can enroll. Likewise, children, parents of minors and pregnant women can request Medicaid coverage. Other Medicaid eligibility requirements are still in place, like proof of residency and identity, which applicants must fulfill.
However, even in the absence ACA Medicaid application guidelines, select low-income petitioners that do not satisfy the age or health criteria can still qualify for health care coverage. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also reviews applications to determine for which health care program petitioners may be eligible. While the goal of the Obamacare Medicaid expansion is to extend coverage to low-income adults who did not previously qualify for Medicaid benefits, the state has the ability to extend coverage to residents without accepting the ACA expansion. Wisconsin has health care programs for those with low income, a diagnosis of AIDS or HIV as well as children from household not eligible for Medicaid through the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program.
The U.S. government created the Obamacare Medicaid expansion details while the Department of Health Services manages benefits, including the application process and providing recipients with details about cost and coverage. If Wisconsin implemented the Obamacare Medicaid expansion, the additional care would create a need for more medical personnel to compensate for the influx of new patients. The ACA expansion of Medicaid further provides money to help states manage the cost of additional care.
For more details about Medicaid and the ACA expansion, download our free guide.
Will Wisconsin ever expand its Medicaid program?
For now, the Affordable Care Act Medicaid application does not apply to residents of Wisconsin who are seeking low-cost coverage. There is currently no plan to adopt the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion in Wisconsin due to a range of factors, including cost and control concerns. As the political climate fluctuates, policies may shift that either update or eliminate the current guidelines.
Note: Wisconsin did not adopt the ACA Medicaid expansion but residents who do not qualify for Medicaid benefits may be eligible for other programs. Residents are encouraged to apply for health care coverage to determine if they meet any of the programs’ requirements.
Find out how to apply for Medicaid by reviewing the comprehensive information in our guide.