Husky is Medicaid, not Medicare

Husky is Wisconsin's Medicaid program. It is run by the state and covers low-income adults, children, pregnant people, and seniors. If you see "Husky" on a card or document, you have Medicaid coverage through Wisconsin, not Medicare.

Husky and Medicare are two separate programs with different rules, costs, and what they cover. Medicare is federal and based on age or disability status. Husky is state-based and based on income. A person can have both at the same time — this is called "dual may be able to access" — but they are not the same program.

Wisconsin uses the name "Husky" for all its Medicaid programs. You may see it written as "BadgerCare Plus" in some older materials, but Husky is the current name across the state.

Key Takeaways

  • Husky is Medicaid, which is a state program for people with low income, not a federal program based on age.
  • Medicare is federal and covers people 65 and older or those with certain disabilities, regardless of income.
  • You can have both Husky and Medicare at the same time if you meet the income and age or disability requirements for each.
  • Husky covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and dental care, though what is covered varies by which Husky plan you have.
  • To learn about you have Husky or Medicare, check your insurance card or call the number on it.

How Husky and Medicare are different

The main difference is who runs the program and who it covers. Medicare is run by the federal government and covers people 65 and older, people under 65 with certain disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease. Your age or disability status determines whether you can have Medicare — income does not matter.

Husky is run by the state of Wisconsin and covers people based on income. Your household income must be below a certain amount to have Husky. Age does not determine whether you can have it. Husky covers children, working-age adults, pregnant people, and seniors who meet the income limit.

The two programs also pay doctors and hospitals differently. Medicare has one set of rules nationwide. Husky rules can vary slightly depending on which Husky plan you are in, but all Husky plans follow Wisconsin state rules.

What Husky covers

Husky covers doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, lab work, X-rays, and prescription drugs. Most Husky plans also cover dental care, vision care, and mental health services. Some services may require a copay — a small amount you pay at the time of care — but many preventive services have no copay.

What you pay out of pocket depends on which Husky plan you are in. There are several Husky plans, and they have different copays and coverage rules. Your Husky card or the letter you received when you were enrolled will tell you which plan you are in.

If you are not sure what your plan covers, call the number on your Husky card. You can also visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website to look up your specific plan's coverage.

If you have both Husky and Medicare

Some people have both programs. This usually happens when someone is 65 or older and has low income, or when someone under 65 has a disability and low income. If you have both, Medicare is your primary insurance — it pays first — and Husky is secondary and pays some costs Medicare does not cover.

Having both programs can lower your out-of-pocket costs. Medicare may cover a hospital stay, and Husky may cover the copay. Medicare may cover a doctor visit, and Husky may cover the prescription the doctor prescribes.

If you think you might have both programs, check both your Medicare card and your Husky card. If you have questions about how the two work together, call the number on either card and ask to speak with someone about dual coverage.

How to know which program you have

The easiest way to know is to look at your insurance card. A Medicare card says "MEDICARE" at the top and has a red, white, and blue design. A Husky card says "Husky" or "BadgerCare Plus" and is issued by the state of Wisconsin.

You can also call the Wisconsin Department of Health Services at 1-800-362-3002 to ask which programs you are enrolled in. Have your Social Security number ready. They can tell you whether you have Husky, Medicare, or both.

If you received a letter in the mail about your health insurance, that letter will say which program it is for. Husky letters come from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Medicare letters come from the federal government.

What to do if you are not sure about your coverage

If you have a card but are not sure what program it is, call the number on the back of the card. The person who answers can tell you whether it is Husky or Medicare and answer questions about what is covered.

If you do not have a card or did not receive one, contact the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. You can call 1-800-362-3002 or visit their website. They can tell you what programs you are enrolled in and send you a new card if you need one.

If you think you should have Husky but do not, you can contact the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to learn about the income limits and how to enroll. Income limits change, so even if you were told you did not may have access to in the past, you may may have access to now.

When to ask your doctor which program you have

If you are seeing a doctor and are not sure which insurance you have, bring both cards if you have them. The doctor's office staff will look at your cards and tell you which one they will use. They can also tell you what your copay will be and what services are covered.

Some doctors accept Medicare but not Husky, or vice versa. If your doctor does not accept your insurance, the office staff can tell you that when you call to make an appointment. It is better to find out before your visit than to show up and find out they cannot see you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have Husky if I am 65 or older?

Yes. Husky is based on income, not age. If you are 65 or older and your income is below the limit, you can have Husky. You may also have Medicare at the same time if you are 65 or older. Both programs can cover you.

Do I have to choose between Husky and Medicare?

No. If you meet the requirements for both, you can have both at the same time. Medicare covers you first, and Husky covers some costs Medicare does not pay. You do not have to pick one or the other.

What is the income limit for Husky?

The income limit depends on your household size and changes each year. For 2024, a single person can earn up to about $1,500 per month and still have Husky, but this varies. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Health Services at 1-800-362-3002 to find out the current limit for your household size.

If I move to another state, will my Husky coverage move with me?

No. Husky is only for Wisconsin residents. If you move to another state, you will need to enroll in that state's Medicaid program. Each state runs its own Medicaid program with different names and rules. Contact your new state's health department to learn how to enroll.

Can I use my Husky card at any doctor?

Not all doctors accept Husky. Before you make an appointment, call the doctor's office and ask if they accept your Husky plan. Some doctors accept Husky but not all Husky plans, so it is important to ask which plan they accept.