Wisconsin residents shop for ACA health coverage through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace, since the state has not built its own exchange.
Wisconsin has not adopted full Medicaid expansion under the ACA, but it takes a different approach than most non-expansion states. Through its own BadgerCare Plus program, Wisconsin covers adults with incomes up to 100% of the federal poverty level, using state-only funding rather than the enhanced federal match that comes with full ACA expansion. Because of this design, Wisconsin does not have the coverage gap seen in most other non-expansion states, since residents right at or below the poverty line generally have a coverage path through BadgerCare, while those above it can turn to marketplace subsidies.
Residents should still check their exact income against the 100% poverty level threshold carefully, since that line determines whether BadgerCare or a subsidized marketplace plan is the right fit. Comparing plan networks is worthwhile too, particularly for residents in more rural counties away from Milwaukee and Madison.