ForwardHealth Policy Update Call Series

COVID-19 Unwinding (all 2023 calls)

DHS responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with several changes and adjustments to eligibility for FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, and Medicaid. The COVID-19 public health emergency ended on May 11, 2023, and DHS is in the process of "unwinding" many of these changes and adjustments over a period of time to ease the burden on members and ensure a smooth transition. We've also created a Partner Toolkit to help partners inform members of changes to their FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, and Medicaid benefits.

COVID-19 Unwinding (January 5, January 19, February 16, March 16, April 27, May 11, May 25, July 20, August 17, October 26, and December 7)

DHS continues to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak with several changes and adjustments to eligibility for FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, and Medicaid. Once the COVID-19 public health emergency ends, DHS will be "unwinding" many of these changes and adjustments over a period of time to ease the burden on members and ensure a smooth transition. We've also created a COVID-19 Unwinding Partner Toolkit to help partners inform members of changes to their FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, and Medicaid benefits.

Pandemic EBT Program (January 5, January 19, February 2, February 16, March 2, March 16, March 30, April 13, May 11, June 8, June 22, July 20, August 17, August 31, September 28, and December 7)

DHS, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, and the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families are working together to implement the 2021-2022 P-EBT program. P-EBT provides benefits for people to buy food if their children are not getting free or reduced-price meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the P-EBT webpage to learn more.

FoodShare Emergency Allotments (January 5, February 2, February 16, March 30, April 27, May 10, May 25, June 22, July 20, August 17, August 31, September 12, September 28, October 26, and December 7)

FoodShare members have getting extra FoodShare benefits each month to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. All FoodShare members have been getting at least $95 in additional benefits each month in 2022. Some households will get more to bring their benefit amount to the maximum monthly benefit amount for their household size. More information can be found about this on the COVID-19: Information for FoodShare and Other Food Benefits webpage.

Pandemic EBT Program (March 12, March 24, April 7, April 21, May 5, May 19, June 2, June 23, July 14, July 28, August 11, September 1, September 15, September 29, November 10, and December 15)

DHS, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, and the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families worked together to implement the 2020-2021 P-EBT program. P-EBT provides benefits for people to buy food if their children are not getting free or reduced-price meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the P-EBT webpage to learn more.

COVID-19 and Related Updates (February 10 and February 24)

DHS continues to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak with several changes and adjustments to eligibility for FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, and Medicaid.

Suspension of Benefits for Inmates (January 6)

Starting on October 24, 2020, DHS and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections implemented a new suspension of health care benefits process for individuals participating in Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus who are incarcerated. The new suspension of benefits process will help ensure that inmates who qualify for BadgerCare Plus or Medicaid are able to access health care services immediately upon release from jail or prison.

• Suspension of Benefits for Inmates Webinar presentation slides (PDF)
• Webinar recording
• Frequently asked questions

COVID-19 and Related Updates (April 1, April 17, April 29, May 13, June 3, June 10, July 8, July 29, August 19, September 16, October 14, November 11, and December 2)

DHS responded to the COVID-19 outbreak with several changes and adjustments to eligibility for FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, and Medicaid.

Health Care Policy Updates (June 24)

DHS made a series of health care policy changes for July and August 2020. These policy updates include changes to member cost sharing requirements, the Medicaid Purchase Plan, and BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid deductibles.

Public Charge (February 19)

Everyone's situation is different, but in some cases getting health care benefits, long-term care services, FoodShare, cash benefits, or housing assistance could have an impact on whether an immigrant will be able to get a green card or change their immigration status. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security planned to implement a new federal rule relating to this policy, called “public charge,” starting February 24, 2020. Update: As of March 2021, these changes are no longer in effect. Learn more about the public charge rule.

FoodShare Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents Rule (January 24 and February 5)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services has finalized a rule that will affect able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) FoodShare members who need to meet a work requirement.