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Medicare AdvantageJune 28, 2026·12 min read·By Jacob Posner, Founder & Editor

Medicare Advantage Plans in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin has 113 Medicare Advantage plans available in 2026, with about 781,000 beneficiaries enrolled (a 57% MA penetration rate). Average premium: $23/mo. Statewide average Star Rating: 3.9.

Quick Answer: In 2026, Wisconsin has 113 Medicare Advantage plans available statewide and about 781,000 MA enrollees, representing a 57% MA penetration rate. The statewide average monthly premium is $23, slightly above the national MA average of $14. Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Quartz, and Network Health are the largest carriers by plan count, joined by high-rated regional plans including Aetna, Security Health Plan, and Medical Associates. The Annual Election Period runs October 15 to December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027.

Wisconsin is a mid-size Medicare Advantage market with a notably high penetration rate: roughly 57% of the state's 1.36 million Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in MA plans in 2026, above the national average of 55%. Wisconsin's market stands out for the strength of regional carriers. Quartz Medicare Advantage, Network Health, Security Health Plan, Medical Associates Clinic Health Plan, and Dean Health Plan are all Wisconsin-rooted organizations competing alongside national names like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, and Anthem Blue Cross. That mix drives solid quality metrics: about 70% of Wisconsin MA-PD plans rated 4 stars or higher in the most recent CMS Star Ratings cycle.

Wisconsin's average monthly premium in 2026 is approximately $23, higher than the national MA average of $14. That higher average reflects Wisconsin's plan mix: the state has more PPO and regional HMO-POS plans (which tend to carry higher premiums) than the national norm. Wisconsin Medicare beneficiaries can still find $0 premium options, and Humana's HMO plan and Security Health Plan's Esteem Rx HMO-POS both offer $0 monthly premium with MOOP caps in the $4,200 to $5,000 range. Rural counties in northern Wisconsin (Vilas, Iron, Burnett) have roughly half the plan count of metro Milwaukee and Dane counties, and premiums in rural areas run higher.

Wisconsin's Medicaid program is called BadgerCare Plus. Residents who qualify for both BadgerCare Plus and Medicare are dual eligible and can enroll in a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), which coordinates both programs into one plan. Wisconsin is a non-expansion Medicaid state with unique eligibility rules under BadgerCare Plus, which affects the D-SNP landscape. This guide covers the 2026 Wisconsin Medicare Advantage market: plan count, carriers, what to look for when comparing plans, key enrollment dates, and how to apply. The Annual Election Period runs October 15 to December 7, 2026.

2026 Medicare Advantage Market Overview in Wisconsin

In 2026, Wisconsin has 113 Medicare Advantage plans available, with 781,000 beneficiaries enrolled (57% MA penetration). The average monthly premium is $23 and the statewide average Star Rating is 3.9.

Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Wisconsin (2026)
CarrierPlansAvg Star RatingAvg Premium
Humana163.6$18/mo
UnitedHealthcare143.8$15/mo
Quartz Medicare Advantage124.0$78/mo
Network Health Medicare Advantage104.4$60/mo
Aetna74.5$22/mo
Security Health Plan of Wisconsin54.5$12/mo
Medical Associates Clinic Health Plan of Wisconsin34.5$35/mo
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield33.8$28/mo

Source: KFF Medicare Advantage 2026 Spotlight, CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025 Wisconsin data, NerdWallet Wisconsin Medicare Advantage 2026 analysis

Plan Types in Wisconsin: HMO vs PPO vs SNP

Medicare Advantage plan-type breakdown in Wisconsin
Plan TypePlans AvailableAvg PremiumBest For
HMO / HMO-POS62$44/moLower premiums, willing to use network providers; HMO-POS allows limited out-of-network
PPO38$36/moFlexibility to see out-of-network providers at higher cost-share; common for Wisconsin residents who travel
Special Needs Plan (SNP)11$0/moDual-eligible (BadgerCare Plus + Medicare), chronic conditions (C-SNP), or institutional (I-SNP)
PFFS2$48/moPrivate Fee-For-Service; no network restrictions but provider must accept plan terms

HMO and HMO-POS plans together account for about 55% of Wisconsin Medicare Advantage plans in 2026. PPO penetration is above the national average, reflecting demand for out-of-network flexibility in a state with significant rural geography.

Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025 Wisconsin plan-type data; NerdWallet 2026 Wisconsin Medicare Advantage analysis

County-Level Variance in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Medicare Advantage plan availability varies substantially by county. The greater Milwaukee, Madison (Dane County), and Waukesha metro areas each offer 38 to 39 plans. Smaller urban markets like Outagamie (Appleton) and Brown (Green Bay) carry 25 to 30 plans. Rural northern Wisconsin counties can have as few as 15 to 20 plans, with higher premiums and fewer carrier choices. Wisconsin beneficiaries in rural counties should compare plans carefully at medicare.gov because in-network provider options may be narrower.

Plan count and average premium by county in Wisconsin
CountyPlans AvailableAvg Premium
Milwaukee County38$18/mo
Waukesha County39$20/mo
Dane County38$22/mo
Brown County26$28/mo
Vilas County19$42/mo

Wisconsin county plan counts and premiums are from CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025 and Connie Health Wisconsin county data. Run a personalized ZIP-code search at medicare.gov to see exact plans for your area.

Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025 Wisconsin county data; Connie Health Wisconsin county plan counts 2026

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What to Look For in a Medicare Advantage Plan in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Medicare Advantage shopping in 2026 requires evaluating more than the monthly premium. Wisconsin has a larger-than-average share of regional carriers, so plan quality varies significantly across the state:

  • Provider network. Confirm your primary care physician, specialists, and preferred hospital are in-network before enrolling. Wisconsin's regional carriers (Quartz, Network Health, Security Health Plan) operate geographically limited networks. A Security Health Plan member in Wausau may not have in-network access to a Milwaukee specialist.
  • Prescription drug coverage (formulary). Most Wisconsin MA plans include Part D. Check that your specific medications are on the plan's formulary at the tier you can afford. The 2026 Part D out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 across all plans, set by the Inflation Reduction Act. Insulin is capped at $35/mo under federal law.
  • Star Ratings. CMS rates Wisconsin MA plans 1 to 5 stars annually. About 70% of Wisconsin MA-PD plans earned 4 stars or higher in the most recent cycle. Aetna, Security Health Plan, and Medical Associates all hold 4.5-star ratings in Wisconsin for 2026. A 5-star plan triggers a Special Enrollment Period allowing enrollment anytime.
  • Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP). The 2026 federal in-network MOOP ceiling is $9,250 (down $100 from the 2025 ceiling of $9,350). Many Wisconsin plans set their MOOP lower: Security Health Plan starts at $2,200; UnitedHealthcare averages around $5,700; Quartz averages $5,131. Compare MOOP carefully when choosing between a $0 premium plan and a low-premium plan.
  • Extras (dental, vision, hearing, fitness). Wisconsin MA plans vary in supplemental benefits. Look for comprehensive dental (crowns, not just cleanings), hearing aid allowances (many plans cap at $1,500 to $3,000), vision eyewear coverage, and fitness memberships such as SilverSneakers.
  • Prior authorization requirements. Wisconsin MA plans, like all MA plans nationwide, can require prior authorization for surgeries, advanced imaging, and specialist referrals. Beneficiaries with chronic conditions should review prior authorization requirements and check CMS-published denial rates before selecting a plan.

Key Medicare Dates in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Medicare and Medicare Advantage have several enrollment windows in 2026. Missing a window can mean waiting until the next AEP or qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period.

  • Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 to December 7, 2026Switch between Original Medicare and MA, change MA plans, or change Part D plans. Coverage starts January 1, 2027. Wisconsin residents should contact the Wisconsin SHIP program for free enrollment counseling before AEP.
  • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): January 1 to March 31, 2026If you're already enrolled in an MA plan, you can switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare. One switch allowed per MA OEP.
  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window around your 65th birthdayStarts 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes the birth month, and runs 3 months after. Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B first, then choose an MA plan or Original Medicare plus Part D. Wisconsin's Medicare eligibility rules follow the same federal rules that apply at age 65.
  • Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Varies by qualifying eventTriggered by moving out of your plan's service area, losing employer coverage, qualifying for BadgerCare Plus (dual eligible), or other qualifying life events. Typically a 2 to 3 month window. Dual-eligible Wisconsin residents on BadgerCare Plus get a quarterly SEP.

Notable Extras in Wisconsin Plans

Wisconsin Medicare Advantage has several state-specific features that differ from national norms:

  • BadgerCare Plus and dual eligibility (D-SNPs): Wisconsin's Medicaid program is called BadgerCare Plus. Wisconsin is a non-expansion state with unique BadgerCare Plus eligibility rules (childless adults without disabilities generally do not qualify). Residents who qualify for both BadgerCare Plus and Medicare are dual eligible and can enroll in a D-SNP. Available Wisconsin D-SNPs in 2026 include plans from Anthem (Full Dual Advantage HMO D-SNP), WellCare (Dual Access HMO D-SNP), Molina (My Choice Wisconsin Medicare Dual Advantage HMO), and UnitedHealthcare (Dual Complete WI-D-002 HMO-POS D-SNP). D-SNPs typically carry $0 premiums and $0 or very low copays. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Health Services at dhs.wisconsin.gov or your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 1-800-472-6717 for D-SNP eligibility guidance.
  • Wisconsin SHIP counseling and Medigap helpline: Wisconsin's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), operated by the Wisconsin Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources, provides free one-on-one Medicare counseling. SHIP counselors do not sell plans and are not paid by carriers. During AEP (October 15 to December 7), Wisconsin SHIP counselors help beneficiaries compare plans. The Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care also operates the Medigap Helpline at 1-800-242-1060 and a Prescription Drug Helpline at 1-855-677-2783. Both are free resources for Wisconsin Medicare beneficiaries.
  • SeniorCare prescription assistance: SeniorCare is Wisconsin's state-run prescription drug assistance program for residents aged 65 and older who meet income requirements. SeniorCare can supplement Medicare Part D coverage, particularly for beneficiaries who do not qualify for Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy). Wisconsin MA enrollees who also participate in SeniorCare should coordinate coverage carefully to avoid paying for duplicate drug coverage. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for current SeniorCare income thresholds.
  • Strong regional carrier competition: Wisconsin is one of the few states where regional nonprofit carriers hold significant market share alongside national insurers. Quartz (UW Health system partner), Network Health (northeast Wisconsin), Security Health Plan (Marshfield Clinic system), Medical Associates (La Crosse and Dubuque area), and Dean Health Plan (Madison market) collectively serve tens of thousands of Wisconsin Medicare beneficiaries. These regional carriers often achieve higher Star Ratings than national averages and may offer more tailored provider networks for Wisconsin residents.

Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare in Wisconsin

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) combined with a Medigap supplement and a standalone Part D drug plan gives Wisconsin beneficiaries nationwide provider freedom and no prior authorization for most services. The monthly cost for Medigap plus Part D in Wisconsin typically runs $150 to $350 per month, depending on the Medigap plan letter and the carrier. Medicare Advantage plans bundle hospital, medical, and usually drug coverage into one plan, with a 2026 statewide average premium of $23 per month but more restricted provider networks and prior authorization requirements.

Wisconsin residents who spend winters in Arizona, Florida, or other states should weigh this choice carefully. Medicare Advantage HMO plans in Wisconsin typically cover only emergency and urgent care outside the service area, meaning a Wisconsin HMO plan may not cover routine visits to a Florida doctor. PPO plans offer more flexibility, but still charge higher cost-shares for out-of-network care. Original Medicare plus Medigap covers any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare, which is the better fit for snowbirds and frequent travelers.

Wisconsin has standard federal Medigap open enrollment rules: a 6-month Medigap open enrollment window begins the month you turn 65 and enroll in Part B, during which no insurer can deny you coverage or charge more based on health history. Outside that window, Wisconsin Medigap insurers can apply medical underwriting. Unlike California, Wisconsin does not have an annual Medigap birthday rule. Wisconsin residents leaving Medicare Advantage who want Medigap coverage should plan the transition to a period when guaranteed issue rights apply.

How Star Ratings work in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Medicare Advantage Star Ratings, like all state markets, are published by CMS every October. CMS rates each MA plan on approximately 40 quality measures covering preventive care, chronic condition management, member experience, customer service, and Part D drug safety. Plans earning 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments from CMS, which carriers often use to fund richer supplemental benefits the following plan year.

Wisconsin performs above the national average on Star Ratings. The national MA average Star Rating is approximately 3.8; Wisconsin's weighted average for 2026 is approximately 3.9. Four Wisconsin carriers hold 4.5-star ratings for 2026: Aetna, Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Medical Associates Clinic Health Plan, and Dean Health Plan. About 70% of Wisconsin MA-PD plans earned 4 stars or higher in the most recent ratings cycle, compared to roughly 61% nationally. A plan holding a 5-star rating triggers a Special Enrollment Period: Wisconsin residents can switch into a 5-star plan at any time during the year, not just during AEP.

How to enroll in Wisconsin Medicare Advantage

Wisconsin residents enrolling in Medicare Advantage in 2026 follow the same federal process as the rest of the country, with Wisconsin-specific carrier and county options. Use medicare.gov/plan-compare as your starting point. CMS provides a personalized plan-finder tool keyed to your ZIP code that shows every Wisconsin Medicare Advantage plan available in your area, including premiums, copays, drug formularies, provider networks, and Star Ratings. The Wisconsin SHIP program (dhs.wisconsin.gov) also provides free one-on-one enrollment counseling from trained volunteers who do not sell plans.

  • Step 1: Confirm Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment. You must be enrolled in both before joining a Medicare Advantage plan. Wisconsin residents newly turning 65 should enroll during their 7-month Initial Enrollment Period. If you already have Medicare, confirm your Medicare number and Part A and B effective dates from your red, white, and blue Medicare card.
  • Step 2: Gather your documents. You will need: Medicare card (showing your Medicare number and Part A and B effective dates), ZIP code for plan availability lookup, list of current prescription medications including dosages (for formulary comparison), list of your current doctors and preferred hospitals (for network check), and if you are dual eligible, your Wisconsin ForwardHealth card (BadgerCare Plus card) showing Medicaid coverage.
  • Step 3: Compare Wisconsin plans at medicare.gov/plan-compare. Enter your ZIP code to filter plans available in your county. Sort by Star Rating, monthly premium, total estimated annual cost, or maximum out-of-pocket. Pay attention to which regional Wisconsin carriers serve your county: Quartz focuses on Madison and Fox Valley; Network Health focuses on northeast Wisconsin; Security Health Plan focuses on central Wisconsin. Contact Wisconsin SHIP (dhs.wisconsin.gov) for free guidance before making a selection.
  • Step 4: Enroll in your chosen plan. You can enroll directly through medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), through the carrier directly, or with the assistance of a licensed insurance agent. Most online enrollments take 10 to 15 minutes. Enrollment is generally open during AEP (October 15 to December 7), MA OEP (January 1 to March 31), or your qualifying Special Enrollment Period.
  • Step 5: Confirm your coverage start date and receive your member ID card. AEP enrollments start January 1, 2027. SEP and MA OEP enrollments typically start the first day of the month following your enrollment. Your new carrier will mail a member ID card and Evidence of Coverage booklet within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the Evidence of Coverage: it details your benefits, cost-sharing, and prior authorization requirements for 2026.
How to enroll in Wisconsin Medicare Advantage detail
Common Reason for Delay or DenialHow to Avoid It
Not yet enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part BEnroll in Parts A and B first through Social Security (ssa.gov) or 1-800-772-1213
ZIP code outside the plan's service areaAlways enter your actual residential ZIP, not a PO Box. Wisconsin regional carrier service areas vary by county.
Trying to enroll outside an open enrollment periodEnroll during AEP (Oct 15 to Dec 7), MA OEP (Jan 1 to Mar 31), or a qualifying SEP. Wisconsin SHIP can help confirm your eligibility window.
Missing BadgerCare Plus documentation for D-SNP enrollmentFor D-SNP plans, you must have verified Medicaid eligibility. Have your Wisconsin ForwardHealth card and Medicaid ID number ready.
Identity verification issuesHave your Medicare card, Social Security card, and a government-issued photo ID available when enrolling online or by phone.

Wisconsin enrollment support: Wisconsin SHIP at dhs.wisconsin.gov; Medigap Helpline 1-800-242-1060; 1-800-MEDICARE for direct plan enrollment.

Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder, Wisconsin DHS SHIP program, CMS.gov enrollment guidelines 2026

$0 premium plans in Wisconsin for 2026

Wisconsin Medicare Advantage beneficiaries can find $0 monthly premium plans in most counties for 2026, primarily in HMO and HMO-POS plan types. $0 premium does NOT mean $0 cost: Wisconsin beneficiaries in $0 premium plans still pay the 2026 Part B premium of $202.90 per month, plus any applicable drug copays, specialist copays, and out-of-pocket costs up to the plan's MOOP. Wisconsin's $0 premium options are more concentrated in metro Milwaukee, Madison (Dane County), and Fox Valley than in rural northern counties where premiums tend to run $25 to $60 higher per month.

$0 premium plans in Wisconsin for 2026 detail
CarrierPlan TypeStar Rating (2026)Counties Available (Sample)
HumanaHMO3.5 starsMilwaukee, Dane, Waukesha, Brown, Outagamie and most metro counties
Security Health Plan of WisconsinHMO-POS (Esteem Rx)4.5 starsMarathon (Wausau), Wood, Clark, Portage and central Wisconsin counties
UnitedHealthcareHMO-POS4.0 starsMilwaukee, Waukesha, Dane, Brown, Racine and statewide urban counties
AetnaHMO4.5 starsMilwaukee, Dane, Waukesha metro; select southeastern Wisconsin counties
WellCare (Centene)HMO-POS3.5 starsMilwaukee, Waukesha and select southeastern Wisconsin counties

Wisconsin $0 premium plan availability sample for 2026. Full list at medicare.gov/plan-compare keyed to your ZIP code. Star Ratings reflect 2026 CMS plan year data. Not all $0 premium plans are available in all Wisconsin counties.

Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025 Wisconsin $0 premium plan data; NerdWallet Wisconsin Medicare Advantage 2026

Special Needs Plans (SNPs) in Wisconsin for 2026

Wisconsin Medicare Advantage offers three types of Special Needs Plans (SNPs) in 2026, each targeting a different population. Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) serve Wisconsin residents who qualify for both Medicare and BadgerCare Plus (Wisconsin Medicaid). Wisconsin D-SNPs in 2026 include plans from Anthem, WellCare, Molina, and UnitedHealthcare, all with $0 premiums and coordinated BadgerCare Plus and Medicare benefits. Dual-eligible Wisconsin residents enrolled in a D-SNP can switch plans once per quarter (Q1, Q2, and Q3), plus an additional switch during AEP.

Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNPs) in Wisconsin target beneficiaries with specific chronic conditions including diabetes, heart failure, and chronic lung disease. C-SNP plans offer specialized disease management programs and formularies designed around the target condition. Institutional SNPs (I-SNPs) serve Wisconsin residents who live in a skilled nursing facility or require an equivalent level of institutional care. Wisconsin beneficiaries who think they may qualify for a SNP should contact their local ADRC at 1-800-472-6717 or the Wisconsin SHIP program for an eligibility assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Wisconsin in 2026?

Wisconsin has 113 Medicare Advantage plans available statewide in 2026, down from 118 in 2025, according to CMS Medicare Plan Finder data. The exact number available to you depends on your county and ZIP code. Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Dane counties each offer 38 to 39 plans, while rural northern counties like Vilas County may have only 19 plans. Run a personalized search at medicare.gov/plan-compare to see your exact options.

What is the average Medicare Advantage premium in Wisconsin for 2026?

The statewide average Medicare Advantage monthly premium in Wisconsin is approximately $23 in 2026, higher than the national MA average of about $14. Wisconsin's higher average reflects its mix of PPO and regional HMO-POS plans, which tend to carry higher premiums than the HMO-heavy markets in California or Florida. Wisconsin beneficiaries can still find $0 premium options from Humana HMO, Security Health Plan Esteem Rx, and several UnitedHealthcare plans. Always compare total annual cost (premium plus out-of-pocket expenses) rather than just the monthly premium.

When can I sign up for Medicare Advantage in Wisconsin?

The main enrollment window is the Annual Election Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027. Wisconsin beneficiaries newly turning 65 can enroll during their 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around their birthday. Existing MA enrollees can make one change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31, 2026). Special Enrollment Periods are available for qualifying events like moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for BadgerCare Plus. The Wisconsin SHIP program offers free enrollment counseling at dhs.wisconsin.gov.

Who has the best Medicare Advantage plans in Wisconsin?

For 2026, the highest-rated Wisconsin Medicare Advantage carriers by CMS Star Ratings are Aetna (4.5 stars), Security Health Plan of Wisconsin (4.5 stars), Medical Associates Clinic Health Plan (4.5 stars), and Dean Health Plan (4.5 stars). Network Health holds a 4.4-star rating and serves northeast Wisconsin. Quartz Medicare Advantage and UnitedHealthcare both hold 4.0-star ratings. The best plan depends on your county, your doctors, and your medications. Run a ZIP-code search at medicare.gov to compare options available in your area.

Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare in Wisconsin?

Yes. Wisconsin MA enrollees can return to Original Medicare during the Annual Election Period (October 15 to December 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31). When switching back, be aware that Wisconsin follows standard federal Medigap open enrollment rules: outside your initial Medigap open enrollment window (the 6 months starting when you first enroll in Part B at 65), Wisconsin Medigap insurers can apply medical underwriting and may deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on health. Unlike California, Wisconsin does not have a Medigap birthday rule. Plan the transition carefully.

What is the difference between an HMO and a PPO in Wisconsin Medicare Advantage?

HMO and HMO-POS plans (about 55% of Wisconsin's 113 plans) require you to use in-network providers and generally need referrals to see specialists. They carry lower premiums on average. PPO plans (about 34% of plans) let you see out-of-network providers at a higher cost-share, and do not require referrals, but charge higher monthly premiums. For Wisconsin residents who split time between states or need access to out-of-state specialists, a PPO or Original Medicare plus Medigap is usually the better fit.

Does Medicare Advantage cover prescription drugs in Wisconsin?

Most Wisconsin Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage built in (these are called MA-PD plans). The 2026 Part D annual out-of-pocket maximum is $2,100 across all plans, established by the Inflation Reduction Act. Insulin is capped at $35 per month under federal law. Wisconsin beneficiaries who do not find a plan with favorable Part D coverage can also consider the Wisconsin SeniorCare program as a supplemental resource. Always verify your specific medications are on the plan's formulary before enrolling.

Are dental, vision, and hearing covered by Medicare Advantage in Wisconsin?

Most Wisconsin Medicare Advantage plans include some level of dental, vision, and hearing benefits, which Original Medicare does not cover. Coverage varies by plan: some cover only preventive dental (cleanings and X-rays), while others cover comprehensive dental including crowns and dentures. Hearing aid allowances typically run $1,500 to $3,000 per year. Vision coverage often includes annual eye exams and eyewear allowances. Always review the Evidence of Coverage document for the specific annual limits before selecting a plan.

What is a Special Needs Plan (SNP) and who qualifies in Wisconsin?

Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are Medicare Advantage plans designed for specific populations. Wisconsin has three types in 2026: Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) for residents qualifying for both Medicare and BadgerCare Plus (Wisconsin Medicaid); Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNPs) for beneficiaries with specific chronic conditions like diabetes, heart failure, or chronic lung disease; and Institutional SNPs (I-SNPs) for residents in a skilled nursing facility. D-SNPs in Wisconsin typically charge $0 premium and offer coordinated BadgerCare Plus and Medicare benefits. Contact your local Wisconsin Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 1-800-472-6717 to determine if you qualify.

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Sources & References

  1. 1. CMS Medicare Plan Finder (medicare.gov)Wisconsin 2026 plan count, premium, Star Rating, and county availability data.
  2. 2. CMS Medicare Advantage Quality Rating SystemWisconsin MA plan Star Ratings methodology and 2026 Wisconsin carrier ratings data.
  3. 3. KFF Medicare Advantage 2026 Enrollment Update and Key TrendsWisconsin MA enrollment count, national penetration benchmarks, and 2026 market trends.
  4. 4. Wisconsin Department of Health Services SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)Free Wisconsin Medicare counseling, SHIP counselor contacts, and enrollment period guidance.
  5. 5. Wisconsin Department of Health Services BadgerCare Plus and D-SNP informationWisconsin D-SNP plans, BadgerCare Plus dual eligibility rules, and ForwardHealth enrollment for Wisconsin 2026.
  6. 6. NerdWallet Wisconsin Medicare Advantage 2026 AnalysisWisconsin 2026 plan count (113), average premium ($23.44), carrier ratings, and $0 premium plan availability.
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