Wisconsin Open Enrollment: Dates, Insurers and How to Enroll

By Heather Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent · Reviewed by Michael Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent · Updated November 5, 2026 Wisconsin open enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15 on HealthCare.gov. Enroll by December 15 so your plan starts January 1. Twelve insurers sell Wisconsin Marketplace plans for 2027, but average prices before subsidies are up about 21.7%. That makes comparing more important than ever. Call a licensed Vivna agent at 888-730-6031 for free help.

Wisconsin Open Enrollment Dates and Deadlines

Wisconsin residents enroll through HealthCare.gov. So the federal calendar sets every key date. Give yourself time, because steep increases may push you toward a new plan. Our open enrollment health insurance guide covers the federal changes. To compare states, read when open enrollment ends.

What's Changing in the Wisconsin Marketplace

Wisconsin has a crowded Marketplace by national standards. Even so, most of its insurers are regional, so your county's options may be fewer.

Insurers Selling Plans for 2027

These twelve companies offer 2027 plans, per healthinsurance.org:

• Aspirus Health Plan
• Common Ground Healthcare (CareSource)
• CompCare (Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield)
• Dean Health Plan
• Group Health Cooperative
• HealthPartners
• Medica
• MercyCare
• Network Health
• Quartz
• Security Health Plan
• UnitedHealthcare

No insurer left for 2027. In contrast, Molina and Chorus Community Health Plan exited at the end of 2025.

Approved Rate Changes by Insurer

Wisconsin's approved rates rise about 21.7% on average before subsidies. Here is each insurer's change.

Rate changes per healthinsurance.org. Your change depends on your plan, age and county. Wisconsin's reinsurance program, the Healthcare Stability Plan, has run since 2019. It pays part of the biggest claims, which keeps full-price premiums lower than they would be. Still, these increases are large, so auto-renewing without a look is risky.

How Subsidies and BadgerCare Work in Wisconsin

Wisconsin works differently from most of its neighbors. It did not adopt full Medicaid expansion. Instead, BadgerCare Plus covers adults with income below the poverty level. That means Marketplace tax credits begin right at 100% of the poverty level, not 138%. For lower-income workers, that can mean a very low premium. Meanwhile, the 400% cap returned after the extra federal help expired.

Based on 2026 federal poverty guidelines used for 2027 coverage. Between 100% and 250%? Silver plans with cost sharing reductions can lower your deductible a lot. Near 400%? Our ACA subsidy cliff guide explains how to stay eligible.

How to Enroll in a Wisconsin Marketplace Plan, Step by Step

1. Read your renewal notice. Find your new 2027 premium and any network changes.
2. Gather your details. You need Social Security numbers, income proof and your doctors' names.
3. Estimate 2027 household income. Check it against the BadgerCare line and the 400% cap.
4. Update your HealthCare.gov application. Or call a licensed agent to do it with you.
5. Compare plans in your county. Regional insurers often tie to one hospital system, so check networks closely.
6. Enroll by December 15. Then pay your first premium for a January 1 start.

In Wisconsin, Vivna works with UnitedHealthcare Marketplace plans. Our Wisconsin health insurance page covers plan types. You can also read our Wisconsin health insurance FAQs.

If You Miss the Wisconsin Open Enrollment Deadline

Once January 15 passes, you need a qualifying life event to buy a Marketplace plan. Common examples are losing job coverage, moving or having a baby. Our special enrollment period guide covers them all. If no event applies, Vivna offers UnitedHealthcare short-term health insurance in Wisconsin. It is not ACA coverage, yet it can carry you to the next open enrollment. Call 888-730-6031 to learn more.

Wisconsin Open Enrollment FAQs

When is open enrollment in Wisconsin?

It runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for a January 1 start.

Did Wisconsin expand Medicaid?

Not fully. BadgerCare Plus covers adults below the poverty level, and Marketplace tax credits start at that line.

Why are Wisconsin premiums rising so much?

Full prices rise about 21.7% on average for 2027. Even so, tax credits follow the benchmark silver price, so they grow too and soften the hit.

Is help from a licensed agent free?

Yes. Vivna doesn't charge for help, and your premium is the same.

Next Steps for Wisconsin Open Enrollment

First, check your renewal notice for the new price. Next, update your income on HealthCare.gov. Finally, compare plans and enroll by December 15. Call 888-730-6031 for free help.

Sources

• healthinsurance.org: Wisconsin health insurance marketplace
• HealthCare.gov: Dates and deadlines
• HealthCare.gov: Special Enrollment Period

Related Guides

• Open enrollment health insurance guide
• Wisconsin health insurance
• Before your health insurance renews
• Cost sharing reductions
• Special enrollment period

Vivna Insurance is a licensed independent agency, not a government website, and is not HealthCare.gov. Our help is free; we are paid by the insurance companies we work with. Plan availability, rates and savings vary by county and income.