COVID-19 & Health Insurance
Important information about COVID-19 tests, vaccines, and health insurance:
Learn more about where to find COVID-19 tests and vaccines and how to get and use health insurance during the pandemic.
Contact us to speak with a health insurance expert for free. We can help anyone in the state or find someone local in your area.
Free COVID-19 tests:
How to get free at-home COVID-19 tests:
Free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government. You can get 4 tests mailed to your home. Go to: www.covidtests.gov
At-home COVID-19 tests are free with private health insurance. Get up to 8 tests per month, per person. For example, a family of 3 can get 24 tests per month paid for by their health insurance. Call your insurance company to learn more.
Free at-home COVID-19 tests mailed to your home from the State of Wisconsin. You will have to do a virtual Zoom call with a licensed health care professional and then take the kit to a UPS drop off. Go to: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/collection.htm
Free tests for Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus members. Get up to 8 free tests per month. Go to the pharmacy and show your ForwardHealth card.
Find a free testing site near you
Use the map to find a community testing site near you. You will NOT need to show proof of insurance.
Important details about getting COVID-19 tests:
You don’t have to show and ID or Social Security number.
Any immigration Status can get Covid-19 tests. It won’t hurt your immigration status.
Free COVID-19 vaccines:
Important details about getting the COVID-19 vaccine:
You don’t have to show an ID or Social Security number.
Everyone can get free COVID-19 vaccines. It won’t hurt your immigration status.
You don’t need insurance. The federal HRSA program will pay for it.
Find a vaccine site:
Text vaccine to 438829.
Call the 2-1-1 helpline.
Go to www.vaccines.gov
Need help getting to your vaccine appointment?
You may be able to get a free ride or childcare for your appointment. Someone may be able to come to you if you are home bound.
If you are asked to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine, call:
Federal Medicare: 1 (800) 633-4227
TTY/TTD users: 1 (877) 486-2048
State of Wisconsin: Call the 2-1-1 helpline
Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine?
Call 844-684-1064 or visit www.vaccines.gov to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Click the questions below to learn more
I've lost my job. What are my health insurance options?
BadgerCare Plus and other Medicaid Programs, such as Elderly, Blind and Disabled, cover COVID-19 tests and treatment including:
- doctor visits
- lab tests
- emergency room visits
- hospitalizations
- telehealth
Healthcare.gov Marketplace health insurance
Marketplace insurance covers the COVID-19 test and treatment. But you may have out of pocket costs for:
- doctor visits
- urgent care
- emergency room
You can sign up within 60 days if:
- losing your health insurance
- moving to a new county
- change in household size
- citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S.
- release from incarceration or jail
- other life events
COBRA when you lose health insurance from your job, you may be offered a COBRA plan. You will pay the full monthly cost of insurance. Sign up within 60 days of losing your job. Before you choose COBRA, you should consider other insurance options.
Click on the links below to learn more about health insurance options and COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Where can I get help signing up for health insurance in Wisconsin?
- Call Covering Wisconsin at 608-261-1455 or 414-400-9489
- Click here to go to our enroll page to make a free appointment with an expert
- Call the 2-1-1 Helpline and ask for heatlth insurance help or text your zip code to 898-211
I'm sick and need help now. What can I do?
- Call your doctor's office. You can call 24 hours a day.
- If you don't have a doctor, call a local community health center for assistance. Go to www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov to find one near you.
- Call a 24-hour Nurse Hotline.
- Click here for our sheet on what to do when you are sick
- Have a doctor's visit from home. This is called telehealth. Click here for a sheet to learn more about how to use telehealth.
How do I get extra prescription drugs or medical supplies?
- If you have BadgerCare Plus or other Medicaid program, such as Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD): Call your pharmacy and ask for extra prescription drugs or medical supplies. You may need these in order to stay home for long periods of time.
- If you have a Marketplace Plan from Healthcare.gov: Call your pharmacy and ask for extra prescription drugs. Most plans allow you to refill prescriptions early or increase the amount of your prescriptions in order to stay home for long periods of time.
Does my insurance cover treatment for COVID-19?
Most private health insurance will cover treatment for COVID-19 just like for any other sickness. You may have to pay a copay or other costs out of pocket. If you have Medicaid or BadgerCare, you should not pay for treatment.
Will getting a COVID-19 test or treatment hurt my immigration status?
- No, getting a COVID-19 test or treatment for the virus will not affect your immigration status. Get the care you need during this difficult time.
- Most immigrants are not affected by the federal government's new rules on immigration and public benefits called public charge. Many health and food programs are still safe to use. For more information on public charge Click here
Download our how-to sheets below that discuss your insurance and coronavirus, telehealth and how to use it, and what to do if you are sick or hurt.
Look out for scams!
There are a lot of COVID-19 health insurance scams. Work with a licensed expert and ask questions.