2026 Medicare plans in Wisconsin

Original Medicare is basic medical insurance coverage offered by the U.S. government for people 65 and older, and people younger than 65 with certain conditions. It helps pay for things like doctor visits, surgeries and hospital stays, but it doesn’t cover everything you may need.

You can enroll in Original Medicare through the Social Security Administration (SSA). But to get other important benefits, like prescription drug coverage or hearing and eye exams, you’ll need to consider enrolling in a private Medicare plan that covers more of what Original Medicare doesn’t.

Original Medicare and most Medicare Cost plans don’t include prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D). If you enroll in one of these plans, you’ll also need to enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan to get prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans typically include Medicare Part D.

Original Medicare doesn’t have a network. You can see any doctor in the U.S. who accepts Medicare, without a referral.

When you enroll in a private Medicare plan, it’ll have a specific group of doctors, specialists and other providers you can see – this is your Medicare network.

In western Wisconsin, our Wisconsin Medicare Cost plans have a flexible network of over 98,000 doctors and clinicians, at thousands of care locations. Through Original Medicare, you can also see any provider across the U.S. who accepts Medicare – just pay Original Medicare’s cost-sharing amounts.

In northeast Wisconsin, our Wisconsin Medicare Advantage plans have a trusted network of over 84,000 doctors and clinicians, at thousands of care locations. Plus, with your out-of-network benefit, you can see any provider who accepts Medicare and is willing to see you – you’ll pay the same costs as if your provider were in network.

Original Medicare only covers dental care that’s part of a hospital stay, dental surgery to treat fractures, care needed after jaw surgery, and reconstruction needed after certain procedures and select other situations. For more dental coverage, you’ll need to pick a private Medicare plan.

In western Wisconsin, you can add on supplemental Medicare dental coverage to most of our Wisconsin Medicare Cost plans if you want.

In northeast Wisconsin, our Wisconsin Medicare Advantage plans feature an annual maximum dental benefit amount that can be used for preventive care, like cleanings, exams, X-rays, fluoride treatment, sealants and periodontal maintenance (deep cleanings).

Original Medicare only covers you in the U.S., where you can see any provider who accepts Medicare and enjoy the same coverage as if you were at home. But if you travel outside the U.S., your Original Medicare benefits won’t travel with you.

All our Medicare plans in Wisconsin include in-network coverage for up to nine months of annual domestic travel. All plans also include Assist America^® services*, and most plans include worldwide emergency and urgent care coverage too.

With a private Medicare plan, you can get much more than with Original Medicare alone. Perks vary by plan but may include:

• A Medicare Part B giveback benefit that credits money back to your Social Security check or Medicare Part B premium statement
• The HealthPartners Choice Card that you can use to pay for certain products and services Medicare doesn’t cover
• Vision and hearing benefits that go beyond Original Medicare
• Fitness tools to help you stay in shape or reach your goals
• Access to no-cost 24/7 advice from nurses

Check the details of the private Medicare plan you’re interested in for more information.

Original Medicare only offers essential medical coverage. If you’re looking for extra perks and benefits, you’ll want to consider a private Medicare plan.