Eligibility

• In Wisconsin, Medicaid recipients include low-income residents that are blind or otherwise disabled, or aged 65 or older. Only United States citizens or those with legal permanent resident status may qualify for Medicaid. Emergency Services Medicaid is available to undocumented immigrants, along with pregnant women and those under 19 years old. For Emergency Services Medicaid, Social Security numbers do not need to be provided. Only medical emergencies qualify for coverage, not regular or preventative care.
  
  

Income Limits

• Income limits for Medicaid eligibility are based on the annual Federal Poverty Level guidelines. For 2011, an individual's annual income cannot exceed $10,980, or $907.50 a month, to meet 100 percent of the FPL. A family of four meets 100 percent FPL levels at $22,350 annually or $1,862.50 a month. Each additional person in a family raises the annual limit by $3,820 or $318.33 a month to meet 100 percent of the FPL. Certain Medicaid programs have income limits exceeding the 100 percent FPL levels.
  
  

Medicaid Deductible Plan

• Those whose income limits exceed Medicaid eligibility but still have large medical bills may apply for the state's Medicaid Deductible Plan. Applicants may use both paid and unpaid medical expenses to meet deductibles under this plan and qualify for Medicaid. Eligible medical expenses include not only personal medical bills but those of a spouse or dependent children, as well as health insurance premiums. Eligible applicants include pregnant women, disabled or elderly people, or children under age 19.
  
  

Medicaid Purchase Plan

• Under the Medicaid Purchase Plan, disabled employed people residing in Wisconsin or those seeking employment may buy health insurance care coverage through the Medicaid program. In 2011, eligible individuals must be a minimum of 18 years old with assets of $15,000 or less and with family income not exceeding 250 percent of the FPL. Family coverage is not offered by this plan.