Medicaid entitlement for 60 - FY 2026 - T19

The Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services awarded the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services $882.953 million in block grant funding on October 1, 2025, under the Grants to States for Medicaid program (CFDA 93.778) to provide medical assistance payments on behalf of categorically eligible populations including cash assistance recipients, children, pregnant women, the aged, and medically needy persons meeting income and resource requirements. The award runs through September 30, 2026, and encompasses place of performance in Wisconsin.

The program provides financial assistance enabling states to pay for medical assistance, Medicare premiums, copayments, and deductibles for qualified beneficiaries. States receive funds quarterly based on estimates of funds needed. Eligible individuals receive medical care from participating Medicaid providers and may appeal denials of medical assistance through a state fair hearing process within 60 days.

The recipient administers Medicaid through an HHS-approved State Plan and maintains compliance with federal regulations governing aid and medical assistance. The department obligated $882.953 million against this award.

The State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services distributed portions of this block grant through multiple sub-awards to counties, tribal governments, federally qualified health centers, community-based organizations, and local public health departments across Wisconsin to deliver Medicaid administration, outreach, and targeted health initiatives. Sub-recipients included Behavioral Consulting Services Inc. for Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review administration; County Of La Crosse, County Of Chippewa, County Of Polk, and Sauk County for Medicaid outreach; federally recognized tribes (Oneida Nation, Lac Courte Oreilles Band, ST Croix Chippewa Indians, Bad River Band, and Lac Du Flambeau Band) for tribal Medicaid and family support services; City of Madison, Pierce County Public Health Department, County of Dane, County of Kenosha, and County of Sawyer for maternal and child health, family planning, and women's health programs; noble community clinics and other federally qualified health centers for Medicaid expansion; and additional counties and health departments for community living supports waiver administration and public health infrastructure.