Applying for BADGERCARE

1. Welcome to Applying for BadgerCare+, a presentation by Covering Kids and Families to assist School Nurses, Social Workers and Guidance Counselors in helping their uninsured students and families get coverage. Welcome to Applying for BadgerCare+, a presentation by Covering Kids and Families to assist School Nurses, Social Workers and Guidance Counselors in helping their uninsured students and families get coverage.

2. Presentation Overview covering kids & families How to Apply for BadgerCare+ What to Expect Application Process Verification Submission Enrollment and Renewal My name is Danielle Zirkel with Covering Kids and Families. I�ll provide you with a little background on our organization first and then the bulk of this presentation will assist you with learning about the BadgerCare+ Application process. Although most families complete this application on their own, you may come into contact with parents and family members that have questions about the process or the application. This webinar will arm you with the basic knowledge to answer those questions. I will review application process, how to fill out and submit the application, what documents to submit afterwards and how benefits are renewed. My name is Danielle Zirkel with Covering Kids and Families. I�ll provide you with a little background on our organization first and then the bulk of this presentation will assist you with learning about the BadgerCare+ Application process. Although most families complete this application on their own, you may come into contact with parents and family members that have questions about the process or the application. This webinar will arm you with the basic knowledge to answer those questions. I will review application process, how to fill out and submit the application, what documents to submit afterwards and how benefits are renewed.

3. covering kids & families Based at UW-Madison Statewide coalition Educate about BadgerCare+ Key project: support BadgerCare+ assistance in schools www.ckfwi.org Covering Kids and Families Based at University of Wisconsin Madison, and affiliated with University of Wisconsin-Extension, Covering Kids and Families (CKF) is a coalition of more than 65 statewide organizations that includes academic and health care institutions, state agencies including WI Department of Health Services and WI Department of Public Instruction, Community Based Organizations, county agencies and more. CKF is dedicated to reducing health disparities and improving the overall health in Wisconsin by enhancing the capacity to maximize participation in the state�s public health care program- BadgerCare+ Covering Kids and Families Based at University of Wisconsin Madison, and affiliated with University of Wisconsin-Extension, Covering Kids and Families (CKF) is a coalition of more than 65 statewide organizations that includes academic and health care institutions, state agencies including WI Department of Health Services and WI Department of Public Instruction, Community Based Organizations, county agencies and more. CKF is dedicated to reducing health disparities and improving the overall health in Wisconsin by enhancing the capacity to maximize participation in the state�s public health care program- BadgerCare+

4. This webinar will discuss BadgerCare+ application, enrollment and renewal. Additional webinars are available on the DPI website that provide an overview of BadgerCare and Express Enrollment. This webinar will discuss BadgerCare+ application, enrollment and renewal. Additional webinars are available on the DPI website that provide an overview of BadgerCare and Express Enrollment.

5. What to Expect What to Expect This slide provides an overview of the application process though we will be reviewing each step in more detail throughout the presentation. The process starts when the family fills out and submits and application. The Department of Health Services sends verification the application was received with a request for additional verification items. The family must send those verification items within 30 days. When DHS receives those items, they have 30 days to approve or deny the application. If the application is approved, the family will choose an HMO if applicable and make their premium payments if they are assigned. Families must renew their benefits as changes occur or at least every twelve months. What to Expect This slide provides an overview of the application process though we will be reviewing each step in more detail throughout the presentation. The process starts when the family fills out and submits and application. The Department of Health Services sends verification the application was received with a request for additional verification items. The family must send those verification items within 30 days. When DHS receives those items, they have 30 days to approve or deny the application. If the application is approved, the family will choose an HMO if applicable and make their premium payments if they are assigned. Families must renew their benefits as changes occur or at least every twelve months.

6. Ways to Apply Online using access.wi.gov By mail. Obtain paper application online at: http://badgercareplus.org/pubs/index.htm Available in English, Spanish, and Hmong Over the phone, in person: contact Income Maintenance Consortium: dhs.wisconsin.gov/em/imagencies/index.htm WAYS TO APPLY First thing to know is that families can apply for Badgercare in one of four ways. The options are: online By mail in person over the phone The online application can be completed at www.access.wi.gove but is available only in English and Spanish. The paper application can be downloaded online or requested to be sent in the mail. The paper application is available only in English, Spanish, and Hmong. If the applicant speaks a language not included here, the applicant should request a translator to assist them with the application over the phone or in person. Income Maintenance Consortia are the main points of entry for this process. Other applicants who need additional assistance in applying for benefits should contact the Income Maintenace Consortia contact to identify their local options. Each region of the state has an Income Maintenance Consortia contact, which can be located on the map found at the web location listed here. �WAYS TO APPLY First thing to know is that families can apply for Badgercare in one of four ways. The options are: online By mail in person over the phone The online application can be completed at www.access.wi.gove but is available only in English and Spanish. The paper application can be downloaded online or requested to be sent in the mail. The paper application is available only in English, Spanish, and Hmong. If the applicant speaks a language not included here, the applicant should request a translator to assist them with the application over the phone or in person. Income Maintenance Consortia are the main points of entry for this process. Other applicants who need additional assistance in applying for benefits should contact the Income Maintenace Consortia contact to identify their local options. Each region of the state has an Income Maintenance Consortia contact, which can be located on the map found at the web location listed here. �

7. ACCESS In this presentation we are highlighting the application process through the state�s online portal, ACCESS. ACCESS - found at www.access.wi.gov If an applicant is a Spanish speaker, there is a link in the top right hand corner which says �Espanol�. Clicking this link takes the applicant to a Spanish version of the portal. This link can be used to toggle back and forth between the English and Spanish language versions if needed. Access can be used to determine potential eligibility for benefits, to actually apply for benefits, and then, once enrolled, can also be used for checking benefits, reporting changes such as address or income changes, and even renewing benefits annually. ACCESS In this presentation we are highlighting the application process through the state�s online portal, ACCESS. ACCESS - found at www.access.wi.gov If an applicant is a Spanish speaker, there is a link in the top right hand corner which says �Espanol�. Clicking this link takes the applicant to a Spanish version of the portal. This link can be used to toggle back and forth between the English and Spanish language versions if needed. Access can be used to determine potential eligibility for benefits, to actually apply for benefits, and then, once enrolled, can also be used for checking benefits, reporting changes such as address or income changes, and even renewing benefits annually.

8. Am I Eligible? Quick screener � about 15 minutes Find out if applicant might be eligible for: FoodShare Health care coverage Prescription drugs Home energy Child care Wisconsin Works (W-2) cash assistance and help finding employment Special tax credits The first helpful tool on the Access website is the Am I eligible option. This is really a screening to help an applicant determine the likelihood that they are eligible for BadgerCare+, and possibly other programs. The applicant does not need to have a special log in to sign on to try out the screener. The Am I Eligible process does not keep the information added, nor will it ask for supporting documents. Data entered here does not carry over to an application, it will be deleted when you exit. A family can complete this on their own or you can assist them with it before completing the full application if they are unsure of their eligibility. The first helpful tool on the Access website is the Am I eligible option. This is really a screening to help an applicant determine the likelihood that they are eligible for BadgerCare+, and possibly other programs. The applicant does not need to have a special log in to sign on to try out the screener. The Am I Eligible process does not keep the information added, nor will it ask for supporting documents. Data entered here does not carry over to an application, it will be deleted when you exit. A family can complete this on their own or you can assist them with it before completing the full application if they are unsure of their eligibility.

9.  Apply for Benefits May take about 60 minutes Can apply for: BadgerCare+ FoodShare (Food Stamps) Family Planning Waiver Child Care ���� The second option on the Access website is to actually Apply for Benefits. When this option is selected, four programs that can be applied for are shown: BadgerCare+, FoodShare, Family Planning Only services, and Child Care assistance. The state encourages applicants to go ahead and apply for all four programs at the same time. It can be done through just one application and means only a few additional questions. If you as a Social Worker, Nurse, or anyone working directly with families would like to become familiar with the questions asked, a separate site is available just for completing practice applications. It is called the ACCESS training web site and its� address is shown on the slide. The second option on the Access website is to actually Apply for Benefits. When this option is selected, four programs that can be applied for are shown: BadgerCare+, FoodShare, Family Planning Only services, and Child Care assistance. The state encourages applicants to go ahead and apply for all four programs at the same time. It can be done through just one application and means only a few additional questions. If you as a Social Worker, Nurse, or anyone working directly with families would like to become familiar with the questions asked, a separate site is available just for completing practice applications. It is called the ACCESS training web site and its� address is shown on the slide.

10. I will not go through the full application here though we will point out some key elements. First, the online application requires that the applicant establish an account. This account allows the applicant to begin an application, stop at any point, and then log in again at a later time to complete it. It also allows a person to check the status of their benefits once they become enrolled. If you are helping someone who would like to apply for BadgerCare+ online, keep in mind that they may not have much, if any, experience creating accounts and you may guide them through choosing usernames and passwords. Remember the account will be under their name, not yours. You may consider helping to complete the first few steps of the online application process just to assure that the account is set up. Once the account is set up, the applicant can log in to continue the application on their own time if they are able. The application does take about 6o minutes to complete. Whether you help with the account set up or not, be sure to remind the applicant to record their user ID and password for later use. I will not go through the full application here though we will point out some key elements. First, the online application requires that the applicant establish an account. This account allows the applicant to begin an application, stop at any point, and then log in again at a later time to complete it. It also allows a person to check the status of their benefits once they become enrolled. If you are helping someone who would like to apply for BadgerCare+ online, keep in mind that they may not have much, if any, experience creating accounts and you may guide them through choosing usernames and passwords. Remember the account will be under their name, not yours. You may consider helping to complete the first few steps of the online application process just to assure that the account is set up. Once the account is set up, the applicant can log in to continue the application on their own time if they are able. The application does take about 6o minutes to complete. Whether you help with the account set up or not, be sure to remind the applicant to record their user ID and password for later use.

11. In addition to noting the username and password, there is another piece of information the applicant should be sure to note: the application tracking number. This number can be used anytime you need to reference the application. There are other ways that an applicant can locate their application once it�s submitted though the tracking number is probably the fastest. Notice also that this slide shows the �Print my application�. That�s always a good idea for record-keeping purposes, and for referencing back to the application without logging onto the website. If you are helping the family apply or are allowing them to use your computer, plan ahead to be sure that the computer is set up to print hard copies. In addition to noting the username and password, there is another piece of information the applicant should be sure to note: the application tracking number. This number can be used anytime you need to reference the application. There are other ways that an applicant can locate their application once it�s submitted though the tracking number is probably the fastest. Notice also that this slide shows the �Print my application�. That�s always a good idea for record-keeping purposes, and for referencing back to the application without logging onto the website. If you are helping the family apply or are allowing them to use your computer, plan ahead to be sure that the computer is set up to print hard copies.

12. Verification / Documentation Application sections that require verification: Citizenship or Immigration Status Identity Income- check stubs or employer verification Applicant will be notified by mail of what needs to be sent in � this is just as important as completing the application! Submit within 30 days from application by:��� Mail to Central Document Processing Unit ACCESS (electronic scan or Fax) Include Document Tracking Cover Sheet Verification/Documentation Once the application is completed, verification items must be submitted to complete the process. This includes: citizenship or immigration status, identity, and income. Other items are only asked to be verified by the applicant when supporting information using state administrative database matches is unavailable. The applicant will be notified by mail what needs to be sent it. Note, that sending these documents in is just as important as completing the initial application. The applicant will have at least 30 days from submission to provide the necessary documents for verification and those items can be sent either through the mail to the central document processing unit or by fax. The forms received in the mail will contain the address and fax number. If the application is submitted through the ACCESS online portal, the applicant has the additional option of submitting scans of the documents electronically � even at the point of application submission. If you are helping a family apply, and you are able to scan in documents, there will be directions on how and what to submit after the application is completed online. Verification/Documentation Once the application is completed, verification items must be submitted to complete the process. This includes: citizenship or immigration status, identity, and income. Other items are only asked to be verified by the applicant when supporting information using state administrative database matches is unavailable. The applicant will be notified by mail what needs to be sent it. Note, that sending these documents in is just as important as completing the initial application. The applicant will have at least 30 days from submission to provide the necessary documents for verification and those items can be sent either through the mail to the central document processing unit or by fax. The forms received in the mail will contain the address and fax number. If the application is submitted through the ACCESS online portal, the applicant has the additional option of submitting scans of the documents electronically � even at the point of application submission. If you are helping a family apply, and you are able to scan in documents, there will be directions on how and what to submit after the application is completed online.

13. Verification / Documentation The family can track the status of their application online. DHS will review the application and then has 30 days from time of submission to process the application. Remind families to check their mail as additional verification or follow up is often required! Notification of approval is sent by mail. The start date will be when the application began. If a family uses Access to apply, they are able to check the status of their application online by logging in. The Department of Health Services has 30 days from the time it receives the application and corresponding verification items to accept or deny the application. During this time period, remind families to check their mail for additional communication from DHS. Oftentimes verification items need to be clarified. The applicant is notified in the mail when they are approved or if they are denied and the reasons why. If a family is denied benefits because they did not submit the necessary verification items, they will have to begin the application process over. If a family was approved for benefits, the start date of their benefits is the beginning of the month of when the application was initiated. For example, if an application was sent in March 12th, and the applicant was notified June 31st of approval, their benefits are backdated to the 1st of March. - - - - - - - - When a family applies it is processed and the Income Maintenance Consortia will send them a verification notice/check list of materials they need to return to the county (now the central document processing department). In this packet there is an employer verification document that the consumer can give to their employer to fill out (this used to go straight to the employer but as of two years ago, it goes to the consumer). At this point the consumer can contact their case manager and tell them they are not comfortable asking their employer to fill out the form and they can send a month worth of check stubs instead. If the case manager needs more information or thinks that the employer form would be detrimental to the consumer they can also ask for check stubs.There is also a database available that has available that provides the percentage some businesses pay for their employer-based health insurance that is used to match up to where a customer works. Not all businesses are in the data base but it is used for some (e.g. If a consumer works for the state they will automatically be denied because the state provides health insurance and pays more that 80% of the coverage and that is found in their database).At time of renewal, the consumer only needs to provide another month of check stubs. If they report a change in employment, they will be sent another employer verification form.  If a family uses Access to apply, they are able to check the status of their application online by logging in. The Department of Health Services has 30 days from the time it receives the application and corresponding verification items to accept or deny the application. During this time period, remind families to check their mail for additional communication from DHS. Oftentimes verification items need to be clarified. The applicant is notified in the mail when they are approved or if they are denied and the reasons why. If a family is denied benefits because they did not submit the necessary verification items, they will have to begin the application process over. If a family was approved for benefits, the start date of their benefits is the beginning of the month of when the application was initiated. For example, if an application was sent in March 12th, and the applicant was notified June 31st of approval, their benefits are backdated to the 1st of March. - - - - - - - - When a family applies it is processed and the Income Maintenance Consortia will send them a verification notice/check list of materials they need to return to the county (now the central document processing department). In this packet there is an employer verification document that the consumer can give to their employer to fill out (this used to go straight to the employer but as of two years ago, it goes to the consumer). At this point the consumer can contact their case manager and tell them they are not comfortable asking their employer to fill out the form and they can send a month worth of check stubs instead.

14. HMO Selection Required for most BadgerCare+ applicants Depends on County and HMO availability Selected after BadgerCare+ enrollment However, those in some southeastern counties select at application If you don�t choose an HMO, one may be selected for you HMO selection can be changed during the first three months of enrollment HMO SELECTION Most families enrolled in BadgerCare+ will need to choose an HMO - though it is dependent on county of residence and the availability of HMO�s in the area. Most applicants will be given the opportunity to select an HMO once they become enrolled, though residents in some counties are asked to select an HMO during the online application process. There is a three month window in which HMO enrollment can be changed. After those three months, the family must wait until their renewal to change their HMO. Applicants will receive notice in the mail of their HMO options. If they do not choose an HMO, they will be automatically enrolled into one. When enrolled in an HMO, all health care is received from providers who are part of HMO. Only emergencies and instances where a benefit is not offered by an HMO warrant care being sought outside of that HMO. HMO SELECTION Most families enrolled in BadgerCare+ will need to choose an HMO - though it is dependent on county of residence and the availability of HMO�s in the area. Most applicants will be given the opportunity to select an HMO once they become enrolled, though residents in some counties are asked to select an HMO during the online application process. There is a three month window in which HMO enrollment can be changed. After those three months, the family must wait until their renewal to change their HMO. Applicants will receive notice in the mail of their HMO options. If they do not choose an HMO, they will be automatically enrolled into one. When enrolled in an HMO, all health care is received from providers who are part of HMO. Only emergencies and instances where a benefit is not offered by an HMO warrant care being sought outside of that HMO.

15. Annual Renewal ANNUAL RENEWAL In general, enrollees will be asked to renew every 12 months. As with an initial application, renewal can be completed on paper, over the phone, in person, or online, though it should be noted that there are some differences in the process depending on the method used to renew. Completing the renewal over the phone or in person is equivalent to completing a new application (though the person�s case number and assigned case worker will stay the same). However, completing the renewal through the mail or online allows for a more streamlined process whereby the person must only confirm or update information as given at application or last renewal. Applicants are generally reminded about a month before their renewal is due. Regardless of the renewal method used, all enrollees should expect to resubmit their verification documents. One last piece to note, if a family�s income or household changes prior to their renewal date, they must report these changes. The applicant can use Access to do this or can contact their Income Maintenance Consortia. Renewal is an active process: if the client does not take action, benefits will end. ANNUAL RENEWAL In general, enrollees will be asked to renew every 12 months. As with an initial application, renewal can be completed on paper, over the phone, in person, or online, though it should be noted that there are some differences in the process depending on the method used to renew. Completing the renewal over the phone or in person is equivalent to completing a new application (though the person�s case number and assigned case worker will stay the same). However, completing the renewal through the mail or online allows for a more streamlined process whereby the person must only confirm or update information as given at application or last renewal. Applicants are generally reminded about a month before their renewal is due. Regardless of the renewal method used, all enrollees should expect to resubmit their verification documents. One last piece to note, if a family�s income or household changes prior to their renewal date, they must report these changes. The applicant can use Access to do this or can contact their Income Maintenance Consortia. Renewal is an active process: if the client does not take action, benefits will end.

16. Access to Materials / Resources ACCESS to Materials and Resources To access additional materials and other resources on BadgerCare, please visit the DPI website or the CKF online toolbox listed here. We can also be contacted by phone or email for additional information. This webinar was filmed in March of 2012, so note that there may be changes or additions to the program in the future. Thank you. ACCESS to Materials and Resources To access additional materials and other resources on BadgerCare, please visit the DPI website or the CKF online toolbox listed here. We can also be contacted by phone or email for additional information. This webinar was filmed in March of 2012, so note that there may be changes or additions to the program in the future. Thank you.