If you can’t pay for health insurance on your own, a government program may help.
How to apply for low-cost or free health insurance
There are many ways to learn more about government programs that offer low-cost or free health insurance. Use one or more of these options to ask questions, see if you might qualify, and apply:
- Contact the income maintenance agency near you.
- Call the ForwardHealth Member Services Hotline.
- View the ACCESS website.
Government health insurance programs
There are a few programs that help pay for health care.
- Health Insurance Marketplace—A federal program that helps you find a health plan and buy private health insurance. You can get help with paying premiums and other costs. How much you get depends on your household size and income. Here are some pages you may find helpful:
- 3 Things to Know Before You Pick a Health Insurance Plan
- Getting Health Coverage Outside Open Enrollment
- Glossary of Health Coverage and Medical Terms
- HealthCare.gov Tips & Troubleshooting
- Plans & Prices
- Saving Money on Health Insurance
- ForwardHealth Benefit Programs—These programs provide either health care or nutritional assistance. They all have a goal to improve health outcomes for members.
- Wisconsin Medicaid Programs—There are different state Medicaid plans and programs for people in Wisconsin. Each program has different rules that you must meet to be eligible. Examples include age and income requirements.
To find other government programs, visit BenefitsCheckUp or BENEFITS.gov. These websites have you answer questions to help you find the right program to pay for health care costs.
Related topics
- Free Hospitals and Charity Care in Wisconsin
- Free or Reduced-Fee Dental Services
- Free or Reduced-Fee Medical Care Services
- Free or Reduced-Fee Vision Services
You may want to consult the HHS Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) directory of health centers at //findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ - these health centers provide care on a sliding fee scale so it is affordable for anyone. You can receive
care even if you are uninsured or cannot pay. Search the directory by zip code to find the centers nearest you. The Hill-Burton program, while limited in scope, provides funds to hospitals and other health care facilities in exchange for their provision of a specified amount of free or reduced cost health care to low-income people. To find out if you qualify for Hill-Burton assistance you must apply at the admissions or business office at a Hill-Burton facility. Also see the directory of Hill-Burton facilities (HRSA). You can locate affordable health insurance at the HealthCare.gov Marketplace for coverage.
But, beware of Health Insurance Marketplace Scams.
- Enrollment assisters will NOT ask for money.
- Do not trust people you did not contact who request personal information. They may be trying to steal your identity. No one from the government will call or email you to sell you an insurance plan or ask for personal identifying information. Be careful when giving you personal information, such as credit card, banking or Social Security numbers.
- Always look for official government seals, logos or website addresses on websites selling health insurance.
Report Marketplace Consumer Fraud: 1-800-318-2596
Content created by Digital Communications Division (DCD)
Content last reviewed July 9, 2020
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