Wisconsin · Resources
The numbers you actually need — Wisconsin.
Phone numbers, agencies, free legal help, forms, and the statutes our topic guides cite. The page to bookmark when you don’t want to dig.
If you need help right now
State Medicaid agency
The office that determines eligibility and runs the program
Wisconsin Department of Health Services — Medicaid (ForwardHealth / BadgerCare Plus)
WI's Medicaid program. BadgerCare Plus covers most non-elderly enrollees; elderly and disabled LTC services flow through Family Care, Partnership, IRIS, or PACE.
Aging services — your entry point
Single number that routes to your local Area Agency on Aging
Wisconsin Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources
Coordinates the statewide Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) network operating in every WI county. Single statewide entry-point for elder services and Family Care intake.
Adult Protective Services
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, call this number
Free Medicare counseling (SHIP)
Federally-funded, unbiased — not selling you a plan
Wisconsin SHIP — Medigap Helpline / SeniorCare Helpline
WI's federally-funded SHIP, operated through the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources and the county benefit specialists program. Free Medicare counseling statewide.
State health department
Regulates nursing homes and licensed facilities
Wisconsin DHS Division of Quality Assurance
Regulates nursing homes, CBRFs, RCACs, AFHs, and home health agencies in Wisconsin.
Finding a lawyer
Bar referral first, legal aid if income-qualified
State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service
Wisconsin Judicare
Civil legal aid for low-income WI residents in 33 northern counties.
Legal Action of Wisconsin
Civil legal aid in 39 southern WI counties; elder-law specialist staff.
Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers
Network of nine independent living centers serving people with disabilities, including elders.
Nonprofits worth knowing
State chapters and organizations focused on aging in this state
Alzheimer's Association — Wisconsin Chapter
24/7 helpline, caregiver education, and support groups across Wisconsin.
AARP Wisconsin
Statewide advocacy and caregiver resources.
Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR)
Regional AAA serving 70 of WI's 72 counties; manages SeniorCare and the SHIP benefit specialists program.
Other hotlines
Numbers worth saving in your phone
- 1-800-633-4227
Medicare (federal)
1-800-MEDICARE — 24/7 federal Medicare helpline.
- 1-800-657-2038
Wisconsin SeniorCare (Rx assistance)
WI's state pharmaceutical assistance program for seniors 65+ with income up to ~$28,915 (single).
- 211
Wisconsin 2-1-1
Local community resource referrals 24/7.
Forms & templates
Official Wisconsin document references
Wisconsin Durable Power of Attorney for Finances and Property (Ch. 244)
Wisconsin adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act in 2010 (Ch. 244). Notarization required; statutory short form available.
Wisconsin Power of Attorney for Health Care (Ch. 155)
Allows designation of a health-care agent to make medical decisions during incapacity. Two adult witnesses required.
Wisconsin Declaration to Physicians (Living Will) — Ch. 154
Statutory living will form expressing wishes about life-sustaining procedures in terminal or vegetative conditions.
Wisconsin POLST Form
Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, used in healthcare settings; available through Wisconsin POLST Coalition.
Wisconsin Marital Property Agreement
Statutory framework under Ch. 766; can include nonprobate transfer at death provisions (functioning like TOD).
Key statutes we cite
Wisconsin laws referenced across our topic guides
| Citation | Subject |
|---|---|
| Wis. Stat. ch. 244 | Uniform Power of Attorney Act (Wisconsin) |
| Wis. Stat. ch. 155 | Power of Attorney for Health Care |
| Wis. Stat. ch. 154 | Declarations to Physicians (Living Will) |
| Wis. Stat. ch. 766 | Marital Property Act |
| Wis. Stat. ch. 55 | Protective Services |
| Wis. Stat. ch. 705 | Multiple-Party and Agency Accounts; Transfer on Death |
| Wis. Admin. Code DHS 89 | Adult Family Homes (1-2 adult residents) |
| Wis. Admin. Code DHS 88 | Adult Family Homes (3-4 adult residents) |
| Wis. Admin. Code DHS 83 | Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs) |
| Wis. Admin. Code DHS 89 | Residential Care Apartment Complexes (RCACs) |
More from Wisconsin
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