Assembly Bill 1236 aims to expand eligibility for the Medical Assistance program in Wisconsin, specifically targeting BadgerCare Plus and the BadgerCare Plus Core programs. The bill proposes to increase the family income eligibility level for parents and caretaker relatives from 100 percent to 133 percent of the federal poverty line, effective January 1, 2029, subject to federal approval. Additionally, it seeks to extend eligibility for childless adults aged under 65, allowing those with incomes between 101 percent and 133 percent of the federal poverty line to qualify for benefits under BadgerCare Plus, provided they are not otherwise eligible for Medical Assistance or Medicare.

The bill includes several amendments and new provisions. It renumbers existing statutes and creates new sections that outline the criteria for eligibility, including the requirement for parents or caretaker relatives to have dependent children living in the home or working towards family reunification. The bill also specifies that the commissioner of insurance must seek federal approval for these changes, and if such approval is not granted, individuals under the new eligibility criteria will not qualify for benefits. The amendments also remove outdated language regarding the income disregard in the eligibility determination process.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 49.471(4)(a)4.b, 49.471