How to Start Using BadgerCare Plus

What to do first?

Getting your ForwardHealth Card:

You will get a letter and a ForwardHealth card in the mail. Use this card at the doctor’s office, pharmacy, dentist, eye doctor, clinic, urgent care, or hospital.

If you do not get your card within 30 days, or need a new card, you can call 1-800-362-3002.

Choosing your insurance company

Your HMO is the insurance company

This will be the group of doctors, clinics, and hospitals that you can use for care. If you need care before you choose your insurance company, you can see any doctor that accepts BadgerCare Plus.

To get started:

  1. Look at the letter from BadgerCare Plus to see what insurance company or HMO you can pick.

  2. Call the HMO Enrollment Broker to ick your insurance company, or you can mail it in on the sheet that came with the letter.

    • If you don’t pick an HMO by the deadline in the letter, one will be picked for you. You can change your HMO during the first 3 months by calling the number below.

Choose an insurance company that lets you use the doctor, clinic, or hospital you like. The Enrollment Broker can help you decide if you’re unsure. They are available at 1-800-291-2002 from 7am - 6pm Monday to Friday.

Choosing your doctor or PCP

PCP stands for Primary Care Provider

A Primary Care Provider is the doctor, nurse, or health care professional you see for most of your healthcare needs. Make sure to call your doctor when you get sick, you can often get same day care or advice.

Steps to choose your doctor:

  1. Call your insurance company and tell them you need a doctor or primary care provider. Let me know if you want a female or male doctor, and if you want a doctor that speaks your language.

  2. Find a doctor or provider near your work or home

  3. Find a doctor taking new patients

  4. Call and make an appointment for a yearly check-up. Appointments for yearly check-ups will likely be in 3-6 months, so plan ahead.

Types of doctors or providers:

  • Providers for Adults -

    • Internal Medicine Doctor

    • Family Practice Doctor

    • Nurse Practitioner

    • Physicians Assistant

  • Providers for Kids and Teens -

    • Pediatrician

    • Family Practice Doctor

    • Nurse Practitioner

    • Physicians Assistant

  • Providers for Women -

    • Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB-GYN)

    • Certified Nurse Midwife

You can download a printable PDF of this information

Click the image to download a copy in English and Spanish.