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How To Sign Up For Obamacare In Wisconsin

Everyone deserves affordable healthcare. Since 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, has extended health insurance coverage and reduced the financial risk of unexpected medical bills for millions of Americans.

However, the ACA differs from state to state. If you want to learn how to sign up for Obamacare in Wisconsin, you’re in the right place. We’ll briefly discuss ACA in Wisconsin, the rates, and how to apply for Obamacare in Wisconsin.

About Obamacare In Wisconsin

Wisconsin hasn’t expanded Medicaid under the ACA guidelines. However, the state boasts its own Medicaid program called BadgerCare. BadgerCare covers all legally present residents with an income under the poverty level.

Before 2014, the state Medicaid in Wisconsin was more generous than similar programs in other states. It covered pregnant women, children, and parents with dependent children, with an income up to 200% of the poverty level.

The ACA would have expanded Medicaid coverage to everyone, but in 2012 the Supreme Court ruled that states couldn’t be penalized if they didn’t extend their Medicaid programs. Scott Walker, the Wisconsin Governor, saw an opportunity to revamp the state’s Medicaid without relying on federal funding.

In May 2021, Wisconsin’s Medicaid program had 1,269,139 people enrolled in it. This number has been up by 29% since 2013. Today, enrollment continues to grow, with an expected 1.5 million people at the end of November 2021.

If you’re a legally present resident of Wisconsin, you can enjoy BadgerCare Medicaid if you’re:

  • A pregnant woman with a household income up to 300% of the poverty level.
  • A child under 19 years, with a household income up to 300% of the poverty level.
  • An adult with a household income of up to 100% of the poverty level.

Obamacare Wisconsin Rates

Obamacare rates in Wisconsin are subject to the following 5 factors:

1. YOUR LEVEL OF COVERAGE

There are four Obamacare coverage levels in Wisconsin. Each level of care is represented by a metal. The care levels are:

  • Bronze: Bronze covers up to 60% of your healthcare costs.
  • Silver: Silver covers up to 70% of your healthcare costs.
  • Gold: Gold covers up to 80%
  • Platinum: This covers up to 90% of your medical expenses.

With the Bronze plan, you can expect to pay the lowest monthly premium. However, you must still pay high out-of-pocket costs for any health care service.

In contrast, the Platinum plan has the highest monthly premiums, but your out-of-pocket costs will be lower than on other plans.

2. SUBSIDIES

Depending on your family size and situation, you may qualify for subsidies that can reduce your Obamacare rates in Wisconsin.

For instance, should you qualify for a tax credit, you can apply the tax credits to your monthly Medicaid premiums.

3. YOUR AGE

Obamacare forces health plans to accept you, regardless of your age. However, your Medicaid plan’s costs still depend on how old you are. The older you are, the more you may expect to pay for Obamacare in Wisconsin.

4. SMOKING

The ACA allows insurance companies to charge up to 50% more if you’re a tobacco user. This regulation means your monthly premium will be 50% more expensive than those of non-smokers.

5. LOCATION

The area where you live in Wisconsin may also have a surcharge that gets added to your monthly premiums. 

With so many factors impacting the cost of Obamacare in Wisconsin, it’s better to work with a trusted broker. Your broker can help you find the best-priced health plan for your lifestyle and needs.

How To Sign Up For Obamacare In Wisconsin

If you qualify for cost-assisted Medicaid coverage, you can sign up for Obamacare in Wisconsin through any of the following ways:

  • Enroll online by visiting the BadgerCare website or HealthCare.Gov.
  • Enroll telephonically by phoning 1-800-318-2596.
  • Enroll in person by visiting a local Wisconsin Income Maintenance Agency.
  • Enroll via the post by printing a paper application and mailing it to the nearest Wisconsin Income Maintenance Agency.

You have to enroll yearly during the open enrollment period to get coverage. Unfortunately, the system is very complex and often needs to be clarified for Wisconsin residents. 

Instead of taking a risk in making mistakes and potentially delaying your Obamacare application, work with a trusted broker. Brokers, such as Enhance Health, can help you navigate the confusing bureaucratic maze and ensure you get the best health insurance plan for your lifestyle.

What Do You Need To Sign Up For Obamacare In Wisconsin?

When you sign up for Obamacare in Wisconsin, you’ll need the following required documentation:

  • The previous year’s tax information. This tax information is for you and your family.
  • Any projected income for the next year.
  • Your medical history. While Obamacare eliminates the disclosure of pre-existing conditions and gender discrimination, other information such as weight, age, and smoking still affects the cost of your monthly premiums.
  • Social Security Number. If you’re a legal immigrant, any documentation that proves your status.
  • Employer and income information. This information should cover every member of your household. Acceptable documents include any of the following: W-2 forms, pay stubs, or Wage and Tax Statements.
  • Policy numbers for current health insurance plans. If different household members have different plans, you must include them all.
  • Other crucial information that may affect your Medicaid insurance premium or coverage options.

Key Takeaways

There are many ways to sign up for Obamacare in Wisconsin. However, navigating the complex requirements and sticking to tight deadlines is daunting.

Luckily, our Enhance Health experts take the guesswork out of applying for Obamacare in Wisconsin. We can quickly match you with the best-priced healthcare plan to suit your lifestyle and medical needs.

Avoid the headache of sifting through countless plans and let the experts guide you to a hassle-free application.

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