Identification and Benefits After Prison in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is not a Medicaid expansion state, but it provides significant pre-release support through existing DOC and DHS programs. The Wisconsin DOC, Department of Health Services, and Income Maintenance agencies partner on pre-release Medicaid applications by telephone. Legal Action of Wisconsin (under contract with DOC) provides pre-release Medicaid application assistance at select institutions. DOC already provides a 30-day medication supply at release and pre-release MAT medications.

In April 2026, Governor Evers signed AB 604 into law. The new law requires Wisconsin DHS to submit a Section 1115 Medicaid reentry waiver application to CMS by January 1, 2027. This will be the formal mechanism to bring pre-release Medicaid coverage under federal matching funds. The waiver program itself is not yet operational -- the application has not yet been submitted as of the filing of this article.

Wisconsin has no drug conviction FoodShare (SNAP) ban. Voting rights are restored upon release from prison, including while on parole or probation.

Here is how the system works and what you need to do.

What Wisconsin DOC Provides at Release

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC, doc.wi.gov) provides pre-release reentry services across multiple programs.

Pre-release Medicaid application:

DOC, DHS, and Income Maintenance agencies partner to provide incarcerated individuals an opportunity to apply for Medicaid by telephone before release. Legal Action of Wisconsin (RLS program) paralegals provide pre-release Medicaid application assistance at select institutions. Ask your social worker or unit staff whether pre-release Medicaid application assistance is available at your facility.

BadgerCare Plus at release:

If your BadgerCare Plus benefits were suspended upon admission to prison and you remain eligible, they will be reinstated upon release. If they were terminated, you may apply on the 20th of the month prior to your scheduled release date through your social worker.

30-day medication supply and MAT:

Wisconsin DOC already provides a 30-day supply of prescription medications at release (FY2025 spending: $500,000) and pre-release MAT medications ($300,000). Ask your medical staff before release whether your medications have been arranged.

SSI Pre-Release Program:

DOC institution staff assist eligible individuals in applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) before release. Legal Action of Wisconsin (RLS program) attorneys also represent individuals applying for or seeking reinstatement of SSI and SSDI through SSA before release.

Reintegration Legal Services (RLS):

DOC contracts with Legal Action of Wisconsin for the RLS program. Attorneys provide representation for SSI/SSDI applications and support with legal concerns around housing, employment, and community reintegration. Paralegals provide pre-release Medicaid assistance at select institutions.

OARS (Opening Avenues to Reentry Success):

Serves individuals released from prison with serious mental illness (SPMI) who are at moderate or high risk of reoffending. Provides intensive case management, psychiatric treatment, medication management, housing, and employment resources. $3.9 million annual program. The vision is to enhance public safety by supporting transition, recovery, and self-sufficiency for clients with significant mental health needs.

Windows to Work:

Pre- and post-release program addressing criminogenic needs including employment, education, anti-social cognition, anti-social personality, and anti-social companions.

SAMHSA OUD Recovery Program:

In 2023, DOC was awarded a five-year SAMHSA grant to create and maintain an Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Recovery Program at Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (MSDF). The program supports recovery from opioid use disorder during and after incarceration.

DHS Prisoner Reintegration Program:

WI DHS funds community-based reentry organizations to provide case management and wraparound services. Grantees are required to meet with program participants within 48 hours of release and coordinate services including housing, SUD/mental health counseling, employment, transportation, education, and family reunification.

Regarding ID documents before release: Ask your DOC social worker or unit staff directly whether the facility provides assistance with state ID, driver's license, Social Security card, or birth certificate processing before release.

Wisconsin AB 604: Pre-Release Medicaid Waiver Law

In April 2026, Governor Tony Evers signed Assembly Bill 604 (AB 604) into law. The law requires the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to submit a Section 1115 Medicaid reentry demonstration waiver application to CMS by January 1, 2027. The waiver would provide pre-release Medicaid coverage for three services: case management, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and a 30-day supply of prescription medications at release.

The bill passed the Wisconsin Assembly in February 2026 and the Senate in March 2026 with bipartisan support. Estimated cost: $9.6 million All Funds ($3.7 million GPR) annually once implemented.

This law overrides a prior prohibition (Wisconsin Act 370) that had barred Wisconsin from applying for a 1115 Medicaid reentry waiver.

The waiver program itself is not yet operational as of the filing of this article. DHS must submit the waiver application by January 1, 2027, after which CMS review begins. Implementation timeline is unknown. Confirm the current status of the waiver application and any implementation timeline at dhs.wisconsin.gov.

Getting Your Wisconsin State ID or Driver's License

Wisconsin state IDs and driver's licenses are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV, wisconsindmv.gov).

If your ID was not processed before release, visit any Wisconsin DMV location. You will need documents establishing your identity, Social Security number, and Wisconsin residency. Standard documents include a birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card, and proof of a Wisconsin address. Your DOC release documentation serves as a supporting identity document.

Getting Your Social Security Card

DOC institution staff and Legal Action of Wisconsin (RLS program) attorneys assist with SSI and SSDI applications before release. If your Social Security card was not obtained before release, contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office. Replacement cards are free. Bring your state ID and birth certificate.

Getting Your Birth Certificate

If you were born in Wisconsin, request a certified copy from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records at dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords or by calling (608) 266-1371. The fee is currently $20 per copy.

If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office. Start this process early -- out-of-state requests can take time and delay your ID process.

BadgerCare Plus: Wisconsin Medicaid

Wisconsin is not a Medicaid expansion state. Wisconsin's Medicaid program is called BadgerCare Plus (dhs.wisconsin.gov/badgercareplus). Wisconsin does cover adults below 100% of the federal poverty level through BadgerCare Plus, even without ACA expansion, giving Wisconsin a broader Medicaid net than most non-expansion states.

Apply for BadgerCare Plus at access.wisconsin.gov or call 1-800-362-3002.

If your BadgerCare Plus was suspended during incarceration and you remain eligible, it will be reinstated upon release. If it was terminated, you can apply on the 20th of the month prior to your scheduled release date -- talk to your social worker.

FoodShare: Food Assistance

Wisconsin (FoodShare is Wisconsin's name for SNAP) has no drug conviction FoodShare ban. People with drug felony convictions are eligible for FoodShare in Wisconsin subject to standard income and eligibility requirements.

Apply for FoodShare at access.wisconsin.gov or call 1-800-362-3002.

Voting Rights in Wisconsin

Wisconsin restores voting rights upon release from prison -- even while on parole or probation. There is no waiting period.

Register to vote at myvote.wi.gov after your release. Contact Legal Action of Wisconsin (legalaction.org) or the Wisconsin Elections Commission (elections.wi.gov) if you have questions about your specific eligibility.

Wisconsin DOC and Wisconsin Reentry Resources

Wisconsin DOC Reentry Programs (doc.wi.gov/Pages/AboutDOC/ReentryUnit): Pre-release Medicaid and SSI application assistance; RLS (Legal Action of Wisconsin contracted); OARS; Windows to Work; SAMHSA OUD Recovery Program (MSDF); 30-day medication supply at release; DHS Prisoner Reintegration Program grants.

BadgerCare Plus / access.wisconsin.gov (1-800-362-3002): Wisconsin Medicaid applications; BadgerCare Plus reinstatement at release.

FoodShare / access.wisconsin.gov (1-800-362-3002): FoodShare (SNAP) applications; no drug conviction ban.

AB 604 (signed April 2026): Law requiring DHS to submit 1115 Medicaid reentry waiver application to CMS by January 1, 2027. Confirm status at dhs.wisconsin.gov.

DHS Prisoner Reintegration Program (dhs.wisconsin.gov): Community-based reentry case management grants; 48-hour post-release contact requirement.

Wisconsin DMV (wisconsindmv.gov): State ID and driver's license.

Wisconsin DHS Vital Records (dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords; 608-266-1371): Birth certificates; $20 per copy.

Legal Action of Wisconsin (legalaction.org): Free civil legal assistance statewide; contracted by DOC for RLS pre-release services; SSI/SSDI assistance; housing, employment, community reintegration.

Goodwill Wisconsin (goodwill.org/locator): Work, community, and financial programs across Wisconsin; search regional location.

211 Wisconsin (wi211.org; dial 211): Statewide referrals to housing, food, health, employment, and social services.

Social Security Administration (ssa.gov; 1-800-772-1213): SSI and SSDI applications; SSA Reentry Benefits at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.