Medicaid: News for Members
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Help us improve IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct)
IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) is a Medicaid long-term care program for older adults and adults with disabilities in Wisconsin. Participants can self-direct their care, which enables them to decide how they want to live their lives.
We are able to offer IRIS through a waiver from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We must renew the waiver every five years—the next renewal term will be from 2026 through 2031. Learn more about the IRIS waiver renewal.
This is where you come in. We are seeking input from IRIS participants, their families and friends, caregivers and providers, IRIS contract staff, advocates, and other partners on how we can make IRIS better.
Other news
Talk to your doctor in your preferred language
As a BadgerCare Plus or Wisconsin Medicaid member, you can have an interpreter at your medical appointments at no cost to you. | June 26, 2024
Do you struggle to understand health insurance?
Our partner, Covering Wisconsin, has easy-to-read fact sheets in English and Spanish that help explain insurance concepts. | May 14, 2024
Summer food benefits are back
You'll get a letter in late June if your child automatically qualifies for food benefits when school is out. No application or other action is needed. | May 14, 2024
Premiums return for some Medicaid members
Children in BadgerCare Plus with income over 201% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) started paying monthly premiums in May. | May 14, 2024
Coverage for OTC oral contraceptives
Members of BadgerCare Plus and most Wisconsin Medicaid programs now have coverage for over-the-counter oral contraceptives. | January 24, 2024
Kids stay covered for at least 12 months
Children under age 19 can keep their benefits for at least 12 months once enrolled. Even if the family circumstances change, they stay covered. | January 4, 2024
Wisconsin’s Medicaid programs
Wisconsin's Medicaid programs include BadgerCare Plus and many others that meet the needs of children, adults, pregnant people, older adults, and people with disabilities, including:
- BadgerCare Plus
- BadgerCare Plus Emergency Services
- BadgerCare Plus Prenatal Services
- Emergency Services Medicaid
- Family Care
- Family Care Partnership
- Family Planning Only Services
- Foster Care Medicaid
- Institutional Medicaid
- IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct)
- Katie Beckett Medicaid
- Medicaid Purchase Plan
- Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
- SeniorCare
- Supplemental Security Income Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income-Related Medicaid
- Tuberculosis-Related Medicaid
- Wisconsin Well Woman Medicaid
Most news items apply to all programs, but there may be some exceptions. You will be notified if your benefits are affected. Contact your agency if you have questions.