Wisconsin's healthcare market spans the Milwaukee metropolitan area and the state capital in Madison, with significant rural health needs across the northern and western parts of the state. SSM Health, Advocate Aurora Health, and Froedtert Health are major health systems, and each has affiliated health plans that require credentialing independent of facility privileges.
WPS Health Insurance (Wisconsin Physicians Service) is a major Wisconsin-based commercial carrier, alongside Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, and Quartz (a regional insurer with strong Madison-area presence). Quartz Health Solutions is owned by UW Health and has significant market share in the Dane County and surrounding markets.
Wisconsin Medicaid operates through ForwardHealth, which includes both traditional Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus for lower-income families. Managed care plans participating in Wisconsin Medicaid include Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin, Anthem/WellPoint, and network health plans. Wisconsin's ForwardHealth portal handles provider enrollment, and managed care credentialing is separate.
Arctic Health helps Wisconsin providers credential with both the Wisconsin-specific regional carriers and national payers, ensuring coverage across the Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay markets as well as rural Wisconsin communities.
Licensure Requirements in Wisconsin
Average Credentialing Timeline
Typical time from application submission to approval in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Medicaid Program
Key Regulations in Wisconsin
Major Payers in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Quartz Health Solutions in Wisconsin?
Quartz is a Wisconsin-based health insurer owned by UW Health, with strong commercial and Medicare Advantage market share in the Madison/Dane County area and surrounding south-central Wisconsin. It is essential for practices in that region.
What is the difference between Wisconsin Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus?
Wisconsin Medicaid covers traditional eligible populations (elderly, disabled, children in poverty). BadgerCare Plus extends coverage to lower-income families and individuals above the traditional Medicaid threshold. Both use the ForwardHealth portal for enrollment.
Is WPS Health Insurance (Wisconsin Physicians Service) important to credential with?
Yes. WPS is a Wisconsin-based carrier with significant commercial enrollment and also administers Medicare in Wisconsin. It is an important credentialing target for most Wisconsin practices.
Reviewed by Arctic Health Team , Credentialing Specialists
Last reviewed: September 2026
Information on this page reflects our experience as of September 2026. Credentialing requirements, payer processes, and state regulations may change. Contact us or check the relevant state medical board and payer websites for the most current requirements. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.