Benefits for seniors in Wisconsin

Medicaid for people 65 and over

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) runs Elderly, Blind, or Disabled (EBD) Medicaid. Your county or tribal income maintenance agency handles applications.

• Income (full coverage): Up to $1,086.16 a month for one person, or $1,636.26 for a couple. This equals federal SSI plus the Wisconsin state supplement.
• Savings and other assets: $2,000 for one person, or $3,000 for a couple.
• Over the income limit? Wisconsin has a medically needy program. Its income limit is $1,330 a month for one person. If your income is higher, you can "spend down" by counting your medical bills.
• What it covers: Doctor and hospital care, medicine, and costs Medicare does not pay.

Long-term care Medicaid. For nursing home care or home and community waiver care, the income limit is $2,982 a month for one person. In a nursing home you keep $55 a month for personal needs. A spouse who stays at home can keep assets up to $162,660 and may get up to $4,066.50 a month from your income. If your home equity is over $752,000, you may not qualify for long-term care.

Estate recovery. Ask your income maintenance agency or ADRC how estate recovery works before you apply for long-term care.

Help paying Medicare costs

Wisconsin has the standard Medicare Savings Programs. It uses the federal income limits.

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Pays your Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance. Income up to $1,350 a month for one person, or $1,824 for a couple.
• SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Pays your Part B premium. Income up to $1,616 a month for one person, or $2,184 for a couple.
• SLMB+ (also called QI-1): Pays your Part B premium. Income up to $1,816 a month for one person, or $2,455 for a couple.

Asset test: Yes. Savings and other assets must be under $9,950 for one person, or $14,910 for a couple. Some income is not counted, so apply even if you are a little over.

If you get any of these programs, you also get Extra Help with drug costs automatically.

Prescription drug help

SeniorCare is Wisconsin's prescription drug program for people 65 and over.

• Who can join: Wisconsin residents 65 or older who are U.S. citizens or qualifying immigrants. You cannot be on full Medicaid. You can have other coverage, including Medicare Part D.
• Cost: $30 per person each year. There is no asset test.
• What you pay depends on income:
  • Level 1, income up to $25,536 a year for one person ($34,624 for a couple): no deductible. You pay $5 for each generic drug and $15 for each brand-name drug.
  • Level 2A, up to $31,920 for one person: a $500 yearly deductible first, then the same copays.
  • Level 2B, up to $38,304 for one person: a $850 yearly deductible first.
  • Level 3, higher incomes: you pay a spenddown amount first, then the deductible.
• How to apply: You can apply in the month you turn 65. Call SeniorCare Customer Service at 800-657-2038 (TTY 711). You must renew every year.

You can also get the federal Extra Help program if your income is below about $23,940 a year for one person.

Extra state payment with SSI

Wisconsin adds a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to federal SSI. For 2026 it is $92.16 a month for one person, or $145.26 for a couple. That is on top of federal SSI of up to $994 a month. People who need a lot of daily care may qualify for a larger payment called the SSI E supplement, up to $105.59 a month for one person.

Food help

SNAP is called FoodShare in Wisconsin.

• Who it helps: People with low income, including retired people and people with disabilities.
• Farmers markets: Many farmers markets take FoodShare.
• How to apply: Online at access.wi.gov, or through your local income maintenance agency. An elder benefit specialist at your ADRC can answer questions about FoodShare.

Help staying at home

• Family Care: Medicaid long-term care for frail older adults and adults with disabilities, offered in every county. A managed care organization arranges services so you can stay at home when possible. You must qualify for Medicaid and pass a functional screen.
• IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct): A self-directed long-term care option. Ask your ADRC how it differs from Family Care.
• Family Care Partnership: Another Medicaid long-term care program. Your ADRC can tell you if it is offered where you live.
• Where to start: Your local ADRC checks if you qualify and explains your choices. Call 844-947-2372 to find it.

Property tax and housing help

• Homestead credit: A credit for Wisconsin homeowners and renters with low income. For 2025 claims (filed in 2026), household income must be below $24,680. You must be 62 or older, or disabled, or have earned income. Renters file with a rent certificate from their landlord. File Schedule H or H-EZ with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
• Note: You cannot claim the homestead credit while living in a nursing home and getting Medicaid.

Help with energy bills

Wisconsin's energy help is called Home Energy Plus. It includes regular energy assistance, crisis help and weatherization.

• When: Apply for regular energy assistance between October 1 and May 15 each year.
• How to apply: Use the online application at energybenefit.wi.gov, or call the Customer Care Center at 1-800-506-5596.
• Crisis help: If your heat is off or about to be shut off, call 1-800-506-5596.
• Income limits: Check the current limit at energybenefit.wi.gov.

Free help and counseling

• Medigap Helpline (SHIP): Free Medicare counseling from the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care. Call 800-242-1060.
• Medigap Part D and Prescription Drug Helpline: 855-677-2783 for Part D and drug coverage questions.
• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Free, unbiased help with long-term care and benefits. Elder benefit specialists help people 60 and over with Medicaid, Medicare, FoodShare and Social Security. Call 844-WIS-ADRC (844-947-2372).

How to apply

Check what you may qualify for