How To Find the Best Health Insurance in Wisconsin
 Written by Preston Micalizio Preston MicalizioPreston Micalizio writes insurance content for SmartFinancial. He brings three years of professional experience writing ... Read more |  Edited by Dan MarticioDan MarticioDan Marticio is the content manager at SmartFinancial and has written 150+ articles across multiple insurance verticals.... Read more |
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Comparing rates from multiple carriers can help you find the best Wisconsin health insurance plan deal that best meets your budget and coverage needs. The cost of health insurance in the “Badger” State is similar to the national average, but shopping around can help you find additional savings.
Keep reading to learn about Wisconsin health insurance, the most affordable plans, the cost in some of the state's largest cities and the available health care options.
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Key Takeaways
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On This Page
Is Health Insurance Required in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Health Insurance Rankings
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Wisconsin?
What Is the Average Cost of Health Insurance in Wisconsin by City?
Which Health Insurance Companies Are the Most Affordable in Wisconsin?
When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance in Wisconsin?
What Types of Health Insurance Are Available in Wisconsin?
How To Get Health Insurance in Wisconsin?
FAQs
Is Health Insurance Required in Wisconsin?
Health insurance isn’t effectively required by law in Wisconsin.[1] With the passing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), U.S. taxpayers faced a federal tax penalty if they did not enroll in a health insurance plan that provided the bare minimum of essential benefits. While the federal tax penalty is no longer applicable as of tax year 2018, a state-level penalty may exist in some states (which do not include Wisconsin).[2]
Wisconsin Health Insurance Rankings
The Commonwealth Fund ranked Wisconsin 21st out of 51 in a state-by-state analysis that took a holistic look at the health care systems in each U.S. state and Washington, D.C. Wisconsin ranked 37th in racial and ethnic health equity but eighth, the state’s highest score, in reproductive and women’s health. When considering all metrics, the state ranked first among five Great Lake states, which include Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana.[3]
Below is an overview of Wisconsin’s national rank in each of the dimensions analyzed by the Commonwealth Fund:[3]
|
Dimension |
National Rank |
|---|---|
|
Reproductive & Women’s Health |
8 |
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Access & Affordability |
15 |
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Prevention & Treatment |
14 |
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Avoidable Hospital Use & Cost |
25 |
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Healthy Lives |
19 |
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Income Disparity |
27 |
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Racial & Ethnic Health Equity |
37 |
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Wisconsin?
Marketplace benchmark plans in Wisconsin cost $476 per month on average, just $1 shy of the nationwide average of $477 per month. On average, Wisconsin residents pay a monthly premium of $350 for the lowest-cost bronze plan available in the state, $466 for the lowest-cost silver plan and $499 for the lowest-cost gold plan.[4]
Cheapest Health Insurance Options in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's lowest monthly health insurance premiums are typically bronze-tier Marketplace plans. These plans usually have higher deductibles, copays and coinsurance, but their monthly premiums are lower, which can be helpful for people who don't think they will need much medical care.[5] However, if you expect to use health care services frequently, consider a gold or platinum plan, which can help you save on out-of-pocket costs (at the cost of higher monthly premiums).
A health maintenance organization (HMO) plan is typically less expensive per month than a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan, which could offer a choice with additional savings. However, keep in mind that HMOs frequently offer fewer benefits in comparison. For example, HMOs may require a primary care doctor’s referral to see a specialist or offer limited in-network options.
What Is the Average Cost of Health Insurance in Wisconsin by City?
Below, we’ll review the median monthly rates across all metal tiers for individual health insurance plans for 30-year-olds making $40,000 per year in five major cities in Wisconsin before considering premium tax credits.[6]
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City, Zip Code |
Quote |
|---|---|
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Milwaukee, 53215 |
$437.16 |
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Green Bay, 54313 |
$444.78 |
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Kenosha, 53142 |
$440.41 |
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Madison, 53704 |
$410.31 |
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Racine, 53402 |
$440.41 |
Which Health Insurance Companies Are the Most Affordable in Wisconsin?
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers Wisconsin's most affordable health insurance plans in the silver tiers. However, rates may be cheaper for other insurance carriers, like UnitedHealthcare, depending on where you live. Below is an overview of Wisconsin health insurers with silver plan ranges that cost below $800 before premium tax credits for 40-year-old individuals.[7]
|
Health Insurance Company |
Cost Range |
|---|---|
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$402 to $764 |
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Dean Health Plan |
$427 to $605 |
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$438 to $480 |
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Common Ground |
$439 to $742 |
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Chorus Community Health Plans |
$449 to $654 |
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MercyCare |
$453 to $459 |
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Security Health Plan |
$463 to $755 |
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Molina |
$480 to $617 |
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HealthPartners |
$481 to $624 |
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Medica |
$514 to $777 |
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Aspirus Health Plan |
$519 to $740 |
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Group Health Cooperative |
$524 to $681 |
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Network Health |
$544 to $702 |
When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance in Wisconsin?
Residents can enroll in a Wisconsin health insurance Marketplace plan through HealthCare.gov during the open enrollment period between November 1 and January 15.[8] To ensure coverage begins on January 1, ensure you select your health insurance plan by December 15. If you delay selecting a plan until past that date, your coverage will not start until February 1.[9]
Certain qualifying life events can trigger a special enrollment period, allowing you to enroll outside the usual timeframe. These events can include moving to a new location, entering into marriage, starting a family, or losing health insurance provided by an employer. A special enrollment period typically lasts 60 days before or after most qualifying events.[10]
What Types of Health Insurance Are Available in Wisconsin?
Some of the major types of medical insurance you can purchase in Wisconsin include the following:
- Marketplace health plans
- Short-term health plans
- Private health insurance coverage directly from a provider
- Employer-sponsored group health insurance
- Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) continuation coverage
- Medicare
- Medicaid services, including BadgerCare Plus
- Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits
- Student health plans
How To Get Health Insurance in Wisconsin?
Getting various health insurance quotes from at least three to five insurance companies will help you better grasp your options and raise your chances of finding a good deal. That said, going to insurance carriers one at a time can be time-consuming and tiresome. However, you can expedite the process using an insurance marketplace like SmartFinancial.
Following a quick questionnaire response, we can connect you with a licensed insurance agent to assist you in locating affordable health plans that fit your needs. To get your free Wisconsin health insurance plan quote, click here!
- Insurance quotes /
- Health /
- Wisconsin
Preston Micalizio writes insurance content for SmartFinancial. He brings three years of professional experience writing in various industries, from higher education to e-commerce. He strives to engage with the audience, provide accurate reporting and make complex subjects easily digestible.
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