Celebrate Wisconsin’s Home Team Advantage in Health Care During Community Health Plans Week April 19–25, 2026
When it comes to health care coverage, having a plan that understands your community can make all the difference. That’s why the Wisconsin Association of Health Plans is celebrating Community Health Plans Week, April 19–25, 2026, and recognizing the local plans that help make Wisconsin’s health care system one of the strongest in the nation.
Community health plans, like GHC-SCW, are built around a simple idea: health coverage should work for the people and communities it serves. Wisconsin’s community health plans are rooted right here in the state. They work closely with local hospitals, providers, clinics and care teams to ensure families have access to high-quality, coordinated care close to home.
Benefits of Wisconsin’s Community Health Plans
For people in Wisconsin, this local connection matters. Community health plans focus on supporting people throughout their health journey; from preventive care and wellness programs to specialized treatment and recovery. Wisconsinites benefit from strong provider partnerships, responsive customer service and coverage designed with the needs of families in mind.
Community health plans bring choice and stability to the marketplace, offering meaningful advantages for employers and benefits professionals. Wisconsin consistently ranks among the most competitive health insurance markets in the country, helping businesses offer strong health benefits that support employee well-being while managing long-term costs. These health plans collaborate with small and large employers to develop solutions that keep workers healthy, productive and supported.
Health plans based in our community help strengthen Wisconsin’s health care system through innovation, partnership and community investment. From supporting local health initiatives to working closely with care providers in communities across the state, Community health plans, including GHC-SCW, contribute to healthier communities and improved access to care.
Why Community Health Plans Week Matters
Today, community health plans, including the 16 members of the Wisconsin Association of Health Plans, serve all 72 counties in Wisconsin, ensuring residents and employers have meaningful choices when selecting health coverage. Their commitment to local communities is one of the reasons Wisconsin’s health care systems stands out nationally.
Community Health Plans Week is an opportunity to celebrate the organizations and community partnerships that emphasize the value of home-grown care and to recognize the importance of keeping health care connected to the local communities and families it serves.
Learn more about Wisconsin’s community health plans and how they support healthier communities across the state at WICommunityHealthPlans.com.
Community Health Plans in Wisconsin: The Facts
Wisconsin’s community health plans, like GHC-SCW, are focused on serving local members, employers and communities. We are closely aligned with our state’s health care providers, locally serviced and compete across employer, individual and government programs.
Yes! GHC-SCW is Dane County’s first and only non-profit member-owned cooperative HMO.
After 50 years, GHC-SCW is still:
• A non-profit 501(c)3
• Member-owned cooperative
• Operated and located in Madison, Wisconsin
A Competitive Market by Design
• Wisconsin is the most competitive commercial health insurance market in the country.
• Strong competition helps preserve choice for consumers and employers.
Highly-Rated Plan Quality
• Wisconsin ranks #5 nationally for the highest-rated health plans.
• GHC-SCW received a 4.5 out of 5 Commercial rating according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance‘s (NCQA) Commercial Health Plan Ratings for 2025. In Wisconsin, only four other health plans earned a 4.5 out of 5 Commercial rating. No health plan in Wisconsin received a 5 out of 5 Commercial rating.
Stability in the Individual Market
• Community health plans, like GHC-SCW, participate in the individual and family plan market, providing more choices and lowering premiums through competition and innovation.
Serving Wisconsinites Seeking Care
• 78% of Wisconsin’s low-income Medicaid (BadgerCare Plus and SSI) enrollees receive coverage through Medicaid managed care.
• A significant majority of managed long-term care members, including frail elderly and persons with disabilities, receive coverage through community health plans like GHC-SCW.
• High managed care participation for commercial plans (ex: HMOs, PPOs).
• Strong competition
• High-quality coverage
• Consumer choice
• Employer value
• Market stability
Real Choice
More options are tailored to Wisconsin communities, not one-size-fits-all products.
Non-Profit Models
A majority of Wisconsin’s Community Health Plans are not for profit or non-profit. GHC-SCW is Wisconsin’s only non-profit member-owned cooperative HMO in Wisconsin.
High-Quality Coverage
We have a strong performance in prevention, chronic condition management and member experience.
Continuity Through Life Changes
We participate across commercial, Medicaid and Marketplace markets, helping individuals maintain coverage relationships as eligibility changes.
Competitive Value
Local and regional carriers compete, giving employers real choice in their health plan.
Home-Grown Partnership
We understand regional provider networks, workforce needs and community dynamics.
Localized Service
We offer local resources so employers and benefits professionals make informed health insurance choices for employees.
Plan Diversity
Health plan options allow benefits advisors and HR leaders to tailor offerings to workforce geography and demographics.
