Keeping Wisconsin Covered
Unwinding News - January 18, 2023
The recent federal end-of-year spending bill included several provisions related to Unwinding, including ending the connection between the Medicaid continuous enrollment requirement and the federal COVID-19 public health emergency. We are working on updates to this page based on guidance we've received from our federal partners. When those updates have been published, we will send a message to our Unwinding email list.
Are you looking for information about public health emergency unwinding? You're in the right place.
The federal COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) declaration led to many temporary policies to support the well-being of Wisconsin residents during the pandemic. Most notably, states were required to maintain continuous coverage for Medicaid members. Once the declaration expires, members must complete an application or renewal process to keep their coverage.
“Unwinding” is how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) describe the process for states to return to routine, pre-pandemic operations. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and numerous partners throughout the state have been collaborating for months to plan for this process and ensure Wisconsin residents have health care benefits that meet their needs. With that goal in mind, we are committed to providing members with timely, accurate, and actionable information to avoid disruptions in their coverage or medical care.
Learn how we've prepared to help our members during this transition.
Operational Plan, P-03336 (PDF)
This plan provides a high-level overview of preparations and plans for PHE Unwinding in Wisconsin's Medicaid programs.
Member Communications Timeline, P-03338 (PDF)
The timeline includes communications (letters, texts, and emails) that members of BadgerCare Plus or other Wisconsin Medicaid programs will receive throughout the Unwinding process.
Additional resources
