Wisconsin Medicaid and BadgerCare Recipient Update, March 2000

The Wisconsin Medicaid program recently changed from monthly paper ID cards to the new plastic Forward ID card. The following are common questions asked about the Forward cards.

What is the Forward ID card?

The Forward ID card is your new Medicaid ID card. It is important that you keep this card. Do not throw it away.

The Forward ID card is a permanent ID card. You will use this same card every month that you are eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare benefits. You will not receive a new card each month.

Who gets the Forward ID cards?

Each person who is eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare gets his or her own Forward ID card. When going to an appointment with a Medicaid-certified provider such as a doctor, pharmacist, or hospital, be sure to take the card that belongs to the person who has the appointment.

How do I know if I'm eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare?

You receive a notice in the mail when you first become eligible. You will get another notice if your eligibility changes. If you are not sure whether you are eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare, you can call Recipient Services at 1-800-362-3002.

If you get a notice saying you are no longer eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare, you should keep your Forward card. If you become eligible again in the future, you can use the same Forward card.

It is important for you to read and keep mail you get about your eligibility or HMO enrollment. This is so you can tell your health care provider when you make an appointment if you are eligible or are in an HMO.

Remember that having a Forward card does not guarantee that you are eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare. Providers use your Forward card to check your eligibility before each visit.

How do I know if I'm enrolled in an HMO?

If you are enrolled in an HMO, you will get a notice in the mail a few days before your enrollment in the HMO begins. Attachment 1 (PDF, 34 KB) and 1A (PDF, 34 KB) are samples of enrollment notices. You will get another notice in the mail if you are disenrolled from the HMO. Attachment 2 (PDF, 33KB) and 2A (PDF, 9 KB) are samples of disenrollment notices.

You should put your most recent notices in a safe place so you will know if you are enrolled in an HMO or not.

You will not get a different card when you are enrolled in or disenrolled from an HMO.

Is there anything else I should know about my HMO enrollment?

You should always know the name of your HMO when you call to make an appointment. If you are not sure if you are enrolled in an HMO or what HMO you are enrolled in, call the Enrollment Specialist at 1-800-291-2002.

What if the information on my Forward card is wrong?

If the information on your Forward card is wrong, such as your name or Medicaid ID number, you should call your caseworker at the county or tribal social or human services agency, W-2 agency or Social Security office to report the correct information.

After the correct information is on your file, a new card will be sent to you. It is very important to report any changes to your caseworker, especially address changes, so you can receive important notices on any changes to your eligibility.

Will my newborn baby get his or her own card?

Yes. Newborns will receive their own Forward card after his or her eligibility information is received. Be sure to tell your caseworker at your county or tribal social or human services agency about the birth of your baby. You will get a letter telling you the baby’s temporary Medicaid ID number.

What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, call Recipient Services at 1-800-362-3002 to report it. A new card will be sent to you right away.

Do I have to sign the back of the Forward card?

All adult recipients are encouraged to sign the back of their own cards. But, it is not required. If you sign the card, it may be used as another form of identification.

Can providers charge me to check my eligibility?

No. Providers are not allowed to charge you a fee to check if you are eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare. If a provider charges you to check your eligibility, please call Recipient Services at 1-800-362-3002 as soon as you can to report it. If you did pay for a provider to verify your eligibility, the provider will be required to pay you back.

Providers are required to collect a copayment for some Medicaid covered services. However, copayments should not be confused with charging you to check your eligibility.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

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To: All Medicaid recipients

Medicaid Recipient Update, March 2000

Commonly asked questions about the Forward ID card