For More Information
People looking for assistance in determining their eligibility for the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan can call Monroe Clinic's patient accounts department at (608) 324-2802.
Information about BadgerCare, including plan types and eligibility requirements, also are available through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services at badgercareplus.org, or by calling 800-362-3002.
For more information about Monroe Clinic's community care program, call (608) 324-1259.
MONROE - When it comes to government-sponsored health plans, adults without dependent children often are left to fend for themselves. However, Wisconsin recently took action to reach out to this group by expanding eligibility guidelines for the state-sponsored health coverage plan, known as BadgerCare.
Now, eligible adults who have a family income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level guidelines ($1,805 per month for a single person, and $2,428.33 per month for a married couple) can apply for the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan.
There are some additional requirements - such as not having private health insurance or access to an employer's health insurance plan for the past 12 months. Another requirement of the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan is an annual, non-refundable application fee of $60.
"Because the fee is non-refundable - even if the application is turned down - some people may hesitate to apply. When you're struggling financially, $60 can represent a substantial part of your budget," said Marie Zinsli, director of Monroe Clinic's patient accounts. "Imagine asking yourself, 'Do I buy groceries, or do I apply for this program?' If you are unsure of your acceptance, you might not be willing to chance it."
To help ease the uncertainty of the application process, staff from Monroe Clinic patient accounts is available to help people determine if they are eligible for the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan before they apply. This service is offered at no charge.
"If patients are confident of their eligibility, the application fee becomes a direct investment in their health. And if they learn they are not eligible, they can avoid paying the application fee," Zinsli said.
Monroe Clinic's community care has helped bridge health care gaps over the years for thousands of people. In fact, 4,266 patients received services and medicine at Monroe Clinic through community care in 2008.
"The people assisted by our community care program aren't simply looking to save a few dollars by forgoing health insurance. These are lower-income individuals within Monroe Clinic's service area - our friends and neighbors - who have run out of options and may have nowhere else to turn. They do not have health insurance, are not eligible for government health plans and do not have the resources to pay for health care services," Zinsli said.
Last year alone, Monroe Clinic spent $2,039,568 on community care to meet the health care needs of patients without resources to pay for needed services and medicine. This amount has seen a dramatic climb in recent years, almost doubling from the 2006 figure of $1,056,853.
Now, eligible adults who have a family income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level guidelines ($1,805 per month for a single person, and $2,428.33 per month for a married couple) can apply for the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan.
There are some additional requirements - such as not having private health insurance or access to an employer's health insurance plan for the past 12 months. Another requirement of the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan is an annual, non-refundable application fee of $60.
"Because the fee is non-refundable - even if the application is turned down - some people may hesitate to apply. When you're struggling financially, $60 can represent a substantial part of your budget," said Marie Zinsli, director of Monroe Clinic's patient accounts. "Imagine asking yourself, 'Do I buy groceries, or do I apply for this program?' If you are unsure of your acceptance, you might not be willing to chance it."
To help ease the uncertainty of the application process, staff from Monroe Clinic patient accounts is available to help people determine if they are eligible for the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan before they apply. This service is offered at no charge.
"If patients are confident of their eligibility, the application fee becomes a direct investment in their health. And if they learn they are not eligible, they can avoid paying the application fee," Zinsli said.
Monroe Clinic's community care has helped bridge health care gaps over the years for thousands of people. In fact, 4,266 patients received services and medicine at Monroe Clinic through community care in 2008.
"The people assisted by our community care program aren't simply looking to save a few dollars by forgoing health insurance. These are lower-income individuals within Monroe Clinic's service area - our friends and neighbors - who have run out of options and may have nowhere else to turn. They do not have health insurance, are not eligible for government health plans and do not have the resources to pay for health care services," Zinsli said.
Last year alone, Monroe Clinic spent $2,039,568 on community care to meet the health care needs of patients without resources to pay for needed services and medicine. This amount has seen a dramatic climb in recent years, almost doubling from the 2006 figure of $1,056,853.