Wisconsin Medicare 2026
Medicare in Wisconsin serves about 1.3 million beneficiaries, with 42% enrolled in Medicare Advantage and the remainder on Original Medicare + Medigap. Average Medigap Plan G premium for a new 65-year-old enrollee: $140/mo. Stand-alone Part D plans average $43/mo.
Medicare Beneficiaries
1.3 million
Age 65+ and disabled
MA Enrollment
42%
% on Medicare Advantage
Avg Medigap Plan G
$140/mo
New enrollee, age 65
Wisconsin Medicare Quick Facts (2026)
| Topic | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Advantage plans available (2026) | 113 plans | Statewide total — fewer available in your county (CMS) |
| Average MA premium (2026) | $23.44/mo | was $22.86/mo in 2025 (CMS) |
| $0-premium MA plans | Available | 100% of beneficiaries have $0-plan access (CMS) |
| Stand-alone Part D plans (2026) | 10 plans, lowest $0/mo | Adds drug coverage to Original Medicare (CMS) |
| Top MA carriers | UnitedHealthcare, Dean Health Plan (SSM), Security Health Plan | Networks differ by county |
| Annual guaranteed-issue Medigap switching | No (one-time 6-month window at 65) | Wisconsin uses a unique state-standardized Medicare Supplement structure — plans are called 'Basic,' '50%,' '25%,' and 'High Deductible' rather than the federal A-N lettered plans — similar to Minnesota. |
MA plan counts, average premiums, and $0-premium availability are CMS 2026 figures (state fact sheet); Medigap and top-carrier details are editorial estimates. The 2026 Part B premium is $202.90/month, Part B deductible $283, Part D out-of-pocket cap $2,100. Verify plans at medicare.gov.
Wisconsin Medicare: Unique Supplement Structure and Milwaukee's Competitive Market
Wisconsin is one of three states (with Minnesota and Massachusetts) that doesn't use the standard federal A-through-N Medigap naming convention. Instead, Wisconsin has its own standardized Medicare Supplement plans. The 'Basic' plan is the most common and provides core coverage; additional riders can be added for more comprehensive protection. Dean Health Plan (now part of SSM Health) is a major regional MA carrier in southern Wisconsin and the Madison metro, with strong integration with SSM Health facilities. Security Health Plan of Wisconsin serves the Marshfield Clinic/Aspirus Health region in central Wisconsin with high quality ratings. Milwaukee's market is anchored by Froedtert Health and Advocate Aurora Health, both major systems with broad MA network participation.
Wisconsin's MA enrollment at about 42% is below the national average, partly because the state's unique supplement structure — when understood — can be more consumer-friendly than some other states. However, the non-standard naming creates confusion for beneficiaries researching plans nationally. Medigap Plan G equivalent in Wisconsin costs approximately $140/month. Rural Wisconsin — the North Woods, western dairy country, and Door County — has adequate basic MA plan availability but limited specialist networks. Wisconsin has no birthday rule or annual Medigap switching protections, and its unique plan names require extra attention during enrollment planning.
What to Know About Medicare in Wisconsin
Original Medicare + Medigap path
In Wisconsin, traditional Medicare combined with a Medigap supplement (typically Plan G or N) plus a stand-alone Part D plan provides nationwide access with predictable costs. Plan G covers everything except the $283 Part B deductible.
Medicare Advantage path
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans bundle Medicare Parts A, B, and usually D into one private plan, often with $0 premium beyond Part B. Trade-offs include network restrictions and prior authorization. 42% of Wisconsin beneficiaries currently choose MA.
Medigap switching rights in your state
Wisconsin uses a unique state-standardized Medicare Supplement structure — plans are called 'Basic,' '50%,' '25%,' and 'High Deductible' rather than the federal A-N lettered plans — similar to Minnesota.
Wisconsin Pro Tip
Medicare FAQs — Wisconsin
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Wisconsin?
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Wisconsin beneficiaries in the Milwaukee and Madison metro areas typically have access to 40 or more Medicare Advantage plans. Green Bay, Appleton, and Eau Claire generally offer 20 to 30 options. Northern Wisconsin's resort and lake communities generally have 15 to 25 plans available. Dean Health Plan and Security Health Plan are notable regional carriers.
What is the average Medigap Plan G premium in Wisconsin?
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The average Medicare Supplement premium in Wisconsin for coverage equivalent to Plan G is approximately $140 per month for a 65-year-old. Wisconsin uses its own state plan names ('Basic,' '50%,' etc.) rather than the federal A-N lettered plans, so beneficiaries should compare plans by benefit structure to find the equivalent of Plan G from other states.
Can I switch Medigap plans in Wisconsin without medical underwriting?
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Wisconsin does not have a birthday rule or annual guaranteed-issue protections for Medicare Supplement plans. Outside your initial open enrollment period at 65 or qualifying federal events, carriers can use medical underwriting. Wisconsin's unique supplement plan structure means beneficiaries should work with a local broker familiar with both the state naming conventions and available switching options.
Related Guides
Medicare Advantage plan counts, average premiums, and $0-premium availability are from CMS — 2026 Medicare Advantage & Part D State-by-State Fact Sheet (August 2026), cross-checked against KFF. Medigap Plan G and Part D averages are editorial estimates. See the full Wisconsin Medicare plan landscape at /tools/medicare-plan-landscape/wisconsin. Verify current plan costs at medicare.gov before enrolling.
Jennifer Walsh
Editorial Lead, Health & Medicare
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed August 2026
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