Wisconsin DHS urges timely Medicaid renewals to avoid coverage gap

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is urging residents enrolled in BadgerCare Plus or Wisconsin Medicaid to submit their renewals in a timely manner.

DHS says they sent renewal packets to nearly 53,000 households with renewals scheduled for June on May 15.

To avoid coverage gaps, these members are advised to submit their renewals by Friday, June 16.

In a Wednesday, June 14 press release, State Medicaid Director Jamie Kuhn emphasized the importance of submitting renewals. "If a member is still eligible, we want them to keep their state coverage. If they’re not, we want to help connect them to resources to help them find other options," said Kuhn.

Renewals can be completed online at ACCESS.wi.gov, through the mail or over the phone. Members should refer to the DHS renewal status webpage to find the "just right" renewal period for each month.

During the renewal process, members share updates on employment, income, expenses and household size, which local and tribal agencies use to determine ongoing eligibility.

For those unable to maintain coverage through BadgerCare Plus or Medicaid, alternative options can be explored through employers, HealthCare.gov or by contacting Covering Wisconsin at (877) 942-6837.

DHS has also introduced a callback feature to manage high call volumes and reduce waiting times for members seeking assistance over the phone.