Home › Knowledge › Compare Medicare Plans by State
Vedanth Bhartee
Writer · Reviewed by Richard ChanUpdated Jun 12, 2026
10 min read
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Choosing the right Medicare plan in Wisconsin can feel overwhelming — and that feeling is completely understandable. With 129 Medicare Advantage plans, 16 Part D options, and a uniquely structured Medigap program, the Badger State offers plenty of choice but also plenty of complexity.
The key is balancing healthcare coverage against costs, provider networks, and access to specialized care. This guide breaks down every plan type available in Wisconsin, highlights their costs and benefits, and gives you the tools to make a confident, well-informed decision.
Medicare plans in Wisconsin are designed to serve a wide range of healthcare needs and financial situations. Here's a breakdown of what each type offers.
Original Medicare is the foundation of healthcare coverage for U.S. citizens over 65 and those with certain qualifying disabilities and diseases.
It has two components:
Note: Data sourced from Medicare Basics
Medicare Advantage plans bundle all the benefits of Original Medicare with added coverage for prescription drugs, dental, hearing, and vision services — and sometimes even wellness programs. That comprehensive package makes Part C a popular choice for beneficiaries who want one plan to handle most of their healthcare needs.
Key facts about Medicare Part C plans in Wisconsin in 2026:
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Wisconsin:
| Carrier | Average CMS Star Rating (All Plans) | Availability | Monthly Premium | Annual Deductible | Maximum Out-of-Pocket (In Network) |
| UnitedHealthcare (AARP Medicare Advantage) | 3.93 ★ | 49 states and DC. | $0 | $0 | $4,900 |
| Humana (HumanaChoice Plan) | 3.63 ★ | 48 states, DC, PR | $0 | $750 | $4,200 |
| Aetna (Aetna Medicare Premier Plus (PPO)) | 4.27 ★ | 44 states and DC. | $29 | $0 | $5,500 |
| Anthem (Anthem Medicare Advantage (PPO)) | 3.52 ★ | 29 states and DC. | $0 | $0 | $4,700 |
Note: Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Comparison of plans from Wisconsin Zip Code 53031. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2026.
Private insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans in Wisconsin include:
Expert guidance can help you choose a plan that best aligns with your healthcare needs and budget — without the confusion.
Beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage can have Part D coverage bundled as part of their plan. Those on Original Medicare can purchase a standalone Prescription Drug Plan.
Every Part D plan comes with a formulary — a list of covered drugs organized into pricing tiers that determine what you pay out of pocket for each medication. Compare plans carefully to make sure the drugs you rely on are covered at a cost you can manage.
Also consider your full cost picture: balance out-of-pocket drug costs against monthly premiums, deductibles, and copayments to find the Part D plan that best fits your medical and financial situation.
In 2026, Wisconsin offers 16 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans, with every beneficiary having access to at least one.
Key facts about Medicare Part D plans in Wisconsin:
| Plan Name | Premium | Deductible | CMS Star Rating |
| WellCare Value Script | $0 | $590 | 3.5 ★ |
| Cigna Healthcare Assurance Rx | $14.60 | $590 | 2.5 ★ |
| AARP MedicareRx Preferred from UHC | $89.20 | $0 | 2 ★ |
Note: Data from MedicareWire
Medicare Supplement — or Medigap — plans cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves behind: copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. They can deliver significant financial benefits, especially for beneficiaries with chronic health conditions or frequent care needs.
Wisconsin operates differently from most other states when it comes to Medigap. Rather than offering the standardized plans A through N, Wisconsin offers only one Medigap plan — commonly called the "Basic Plan."
The Wisconsin Basic Plan covers Part A coinsurance or copayments, Part B coinsurance, 3 pints of blood per year, and other state-mandated benefits.
What makes Wisconsin's approach distinctive is its flexibility: beneficiaries can add optional extra coverage for items like Part B excess charges, the Part A deductible, and foreign travel emergency care, among other add-ons.
Typical monthly premiums for Wisconsin's Medigap Basic Plan range from $74.86 to $224.23, with actual premiums varying based on age, gender, location, and tobacco use.
Top Medigap providers in Wisconsin include:
Understanding the full cost picture of Wisconsin Medicare plans is essential to managing your healthcare budget effectively. Here is a detailed overview:
| Plan Type | Average Monthly Premium | Average Deductibles | What it Covers |
| Original Medicare Part A | $0 (if you do not qualify: $285 or $518) | $1,736 | Hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services. |
| Original Medicare Part B | $202.90 | $283 | Doctor visits, preventive services, diagnostics, medical equipment, and mental health services. |
| Medicare Advantage | $24.21 | ($0 – $590) Varies by plan. | Bundles Original Medicare with additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage. |
| Part D | $47.83 | ($0 – $590) Varies by plan. | Prescription drugs. |
| Medigap (Wisconsin Basic Plan) | $74.86 – $224.23 | N/A | Fills out-of-pocket costs related to Original Medicare. |
Note: All data reflect 2026 averages sourced from Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, and MedicareWire and may vary by provider.
Wisconsin's Medicare market offers a range of Medicare Advantage and Medigap options to match the diverse healthcare needs and budgets of state residents.
Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan means aligning coverage with your specific healthcare needs, your financial situation, and your preferred doctors and facilities. Take time to compare carriers on all of these dimensions before enrolling.
When evaluating Medigap providers in Wisconsin, keep these factors in mind:
Here is a list of some of the top Medigap providers in Wisconsin:
| Carrier | Basic Plan Premium | Basic Plan With Copayments |
| Anthem | $152.10 | NA |
| AARP | $110.34 | $74.86 |
| State Farm | $224.23 | NA |
Note: Rating Data from NerdWallet
Selecting the right Medicare plan requires a detailed, honest look at both your current and anticipated healthcare needs — and your finances. Here's a step-by-step approach:
If you turned 65 and have been receiving Social Security benefits for at least four months, you're automatically enrolled in Original Medicare. Here are the key windows to know:
Your first opportunity to enroll begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and extends three months after. This period applies to all Medicare plans except Medigap, which starts when you're 65 and already enrolled in Part B.
Running from October 15 to December 7 each year, the OEP is when you can adjust your Medicare coverage by switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, changing from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or enrolling in, switching, or dropping a Part D plan.
From January 1 to March 31 of each year, Medicare Advantage enrollees can switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare.
Certain qualifying life events — such as relocating or losing employer coverage — trigger an SEP, allowing you to change Medicare coverage outside the standard enrollment calendar.
Here's a practical guide to getting enrolled in Medicare:
Wisconsin offers a range of supportive resources to help its residents make informed Medicare decisions: